Liverpool Transfer News: Major Names Eyed by Brendan Rodgers in Latest Rumours

Liverpool are in the hunt for some more firepower this summer, and according to the latest rumours, Radamel Falcao and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are on Brendan Rodgers' wishlist.

According to the Daily Star's Jeremy Cross, Rodgers is joining the race to sign Falcao along with Chelsea, who are also reportedly interested.

The Colombian spent last season on loan at Old Trafford. The 29-year-old arrived with a reputation as one of the world's deadliest hitmen but looked a shadow of his former self as he mustered just four goals in 29 appearances.

Falcao's £275,000-per-week wages made him a costly mistake for Manchester United, as Football Tweet report.

Here, Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe discusses Falcao's future and says he does not believe he is still capable of performing at Europe's elite clubs:

While Liverpool can no longer be said to occupy that bracket, the costs involved even in a loan deal would present a staggering risk for a club that cannot afford to take any after their often underwhelming and occasionally disastrous dealings in the transfer market in recent years.

While it is abundantly clear the Reds need at least one new forward this summer, Falcao's declining effectiveness and the huge costs involved mean Liverpool should unequivocally avoid this deal.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

A better proposition would be Ibrahimovic.

The Express' Ben Jefferson (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star) reports the Swede has not ruled out a move to a club that is not in the Champions League.

He said: "Of course, the Champions League is important. You always want to play in the biggest competitions. But it's not necessarily crucial in choosing a club. What matters is playing for a club which makes you feel good, where you really want to play."

This comes as good news for the Reds, who no longer possess the same pulling power they once enjoyed as they are no longer regulars in Europe's top-level competition.

Ibrahimovic was in typically outstanding form last season, scoring 29 goals and making six assists in all competitions.

Jacques Brinon/Associated Press

WhoScored.com note on Twitter that Ibrahimovic's goalscoring exploits in the last two years are unrivalled in Ligue 1. Given that, according to Squawka, the 33-year-old maintained a phenomenal shooting accuracy of 74 per cent last season, this is unsurprising.

The Swede has played and been prolific in the Eredivisie, Serie A, La Liga and Ligue 1 throughout his illustrious career, so a new challenge and stint in the Premier League before he retires could be on the cards.

Though his age would make him a short-term signing, Ibrahimovic is yet to show any signs of decline, and his reliability in hitting the back of the net is exactly what Liverpool need. He won't come cheap, but if Liverpool can acquire his signature, then they could well find themselves back in the Champions League places next season.