Liverpool Transfer News: Marco Reus Targeted Amid Raheem Sterling Exit Rumours

Liverpool are hunting the signature of Marco Reus as a possible replacement for Raheem Sterling, according to talkSPORT (h/t Adam Skinner of the Express).

Reus has turned down the advances of Barcelona due to a fear he wouldn't hold down a starting role over Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.

Current Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu is said to have spoken with Reus, a player he is keen to land to help secure votes in the club's upcoming election, per Marca.

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is "desperate" to sign a world-class forward to take the place of Sterling, who continues to receive the interest of Manchester City. Sami Mokbel of the MailOnline believes City will make a third bid for the Englishman, with David Anderson and John Cross of the Mirror indicating a deal worth £40 million plus £5 million in add-ons will be put on the table.

Former Reds captain Steven Gerrard, who recently departed Anfield to join MLS club Los Angeles Galaxy, is frustrated by Sterling's ongoing stand-off with the club: "There are millions and millions of Liverpool fans around the world who are itching to see Raheem Sterling in a Liverpool kit," Gerrard told Sky Sports (h/t Mokbel). "So I don’t think it’s fair on them if he is behaving like that."

Skinner's report suggests Manchester United and Chelsea "could be tempted" with a bid for Reus if he becomes available, so even if Sterling leaves, Rodgers will likely face great difficulty landing the BVB star. Reus is the type of player who is often linked with a move away from the Westfalenstadion because of his quality, but rumours rarely progress beyond just that.

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He is a dynamic, pacey forward who can play across the attacking line. Despite consistent injury problems, Reus scored seven and assisted five in 20 Bundesliga appearances last term, as recorded by WhoScored.com. He is fiercely loyal to Dortmund and promises to be a key star for new boss Thomas Tuchel, who recently replaced Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool are also "big admirers" of Juventus centre-forward Fernando Llorente, according to O Jogo (h/t Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star). Jesus Llorente, the Spaniard's brother and agent, suggests the player could be tempted by a move away from Turin: "He has a contract with Juventus," said Jesus, per Malata. "I can't rule anything out though."

Llorente struggled to hold down a first-team spot under Massimiliano Allegri last season, scoring nine goals in 33 starts and 12 substitute appearances, per WhoScored. Although Carlos Tevez has now departed, Juve have added Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic to Alvaro Morata in their attacking lineup, suggesting Llorente will get less of an opportunity to impress next season.

Malata suggests Liverpool could offer £16 million for his services. B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently discussed alternative signings for the club:

The quicker Liverpool sell Sterling, the better. Money from his departure can be spent unearthing top-class reinforcements who actually want to be at the club. Rodgers and Liverpool should seriously consider accepting City's third offer if it becomes formal.

While Reus' transfer seems unlikely, Llorente could be a smart addition for the Reds. He is a powerful hold-up player who can add aerial prowess to the team. Rodgers has so many creative stars in his squad, but he needs someone stationed in the box to finish attacking moves off.

Sterling's sale is key, so we can expect these rumours to drag on.