Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Jon Flanagan's Future, Yohan Cabaye Rumours

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes full-back Jon Flanagan deserves to have his contract renewed, while the Reds and West Ham United are reportedly eyeing Crystal Palace's Yohan Cabaye as a summer transfer target.

Flanagan's contract is set to expire this summer, and Carragher believes the youngster has done enough to deserve an extension. Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Liverpool Echo's Tom Marshall-Bailey-Le) he said:

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He shouldn't get a contract because he's a local lad. He should get a contract because he is a good player. The local lad thing is a bonus.

You can see he is a Liverpool academy player. I am delighted he is back and playing.

The big disappointment for the supporters and Jurgen Klopp is that they have not included him in their Europa League squad so he won't be able to face Manchester United.

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Injuries have slowed down the 23-year-old, who has barely featured for the club in the last 22 months after a strong start to his senior career, per the report. He looked fantastic in midweek in the 3-0 win over Manchester City, however, reigniting the discussion over whether or not he has a future with the Reds.

As an academy graduate, he's a favourite of the Liverpool faithful, who want Flanagan to receive a new deal. The Anfield Wrap's Andy Heaton thinks the fact he's a local has nothing to do with how people rate him:

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So, disregarding Klopp, Rodgers, Gerrard, Carragher and Suarez all rating him Flanagan is only in the team because he's from Liverpool. Ok.

— Andy Heaton (@Andrew_Heaton) March 6, 2016"

Per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already admitted he regrets not including the full-back in his UEFA Europa League squad, a clear sign he values Flanagan's contributions and would like him to stay with the club.

Bleacher Report's Jack Lusby thinks he has to earn an extension, however. Talking about the lack of defensive cover out wide, he wrote:

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In theory, Flanagan's return could provide an in-house solution, with the 23-year-old employing a full-blooded, front-footed style that adheres perfectly with Klopp's brand of heavy-metal football.

But with the months running on and Flanagan still requiring "a day or two to recover," he is facing a fight to prove his fitness.

While Kelly makes a perceptive observation when it comes to Flanagan's contract situation, one performance should not warrant an immediate extension; this should only come after a sustained run of form or, at the very least, fitness.

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Flanagan has the chance to prove he can consistently stay healthy, as he'll surely see an increase in minutes in the Premier League in the coming weeks. With his team-mates battling in Europe, he'll be handed the chance to spell them domestically, and if he does well, a contract extension seems almost a certainty.

Meanwhile, the Brentwood Gazette reports West Ham United will attempt to “hijack” Liverpool's move for Cabaye, claiming the Reds are already planning a £15 million swoop for the France international.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

The 30-year-old returned to England last summer after a spell with Paris Saint-Germain and immediately made an impact for the Eagles, scoring in his first match against Norwich City. The central midfielder has been a vital player for the south Londoners ever since.

More from Heaton, who likes what he brings to the table:

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Cabaye worries me more than Bolasie, got a bit of snide in him and can play a bit when he feels like it.

— Andy Heaton (@Andrew_Heaton) March 6, 2016"

The former Newcastle man is a solid player who would hold his own with a bigger club, and summer offers are likely to arrive. Liverpool already field a number of talented central midfielders, however, and a move to east London makes more sense for the Frenchman.

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