Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Missed Out on Marcus Rashford, Andre Ayew Rumours

Marcus Rashford has made major headlines at Manchester United this season, but the English youngster came close to signing for Liverpool as a child, it's emerged. Plus, the Reds previously turned down the chance to sign Andre Ayew, according to his brother.

Sam Cunningham of MailOnline reported on Friday Liverpool attempted to lure the striker to Anfield when he was seven years old and playing for Fletcher Moss Rangers.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Everton, who eventual United boss David Moyes managed at the time, were also in the mix to pen the attacker's signature, but he ultimately opted for the Red Devils—a choice that's paying dividends now.

Rashford's most recent achievement for United was netting the opener in their 2-1 FA Cup sixth-round replay win over West Ham United on Wednesday, leading Fanatix to outline his stellar first-team record:

Liverpool have a wealth of strikers at their disposal at present, with Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino and last summer's £32.5 million signing, Christian Benteke, all fighting for a place up front.

Rashford, 18, is displaying the kind of potential that makes him a standout prospect of his own, however, and Squawka Dave broke down his importance to manager Louis van Gaal's side after the West Ham result:

Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp is currently squeezing the most out of Belgian starlet Origi, 20, but Rashford's English allegiance makes him an even more valuable asset to Premier League clubs.

Another talent the Merseysiders might have signed in another lifetime is Swansea City star Ayew, whose older brother, Ibrahim, told Ghana Web Liverpool could have signed his sibling for £5 million in the past (h/t Chris Waugh of the Chronicle): "There was even a point where he was up for only £5 [million], but no one was really willing to pay that. The likes of Newcastle and Liverpool pulled back. Today, if you’re coming for Andre, you’ll have to pay anything not less than £30 million."

Jon Super/Associated Press

Ayew has adapted well to the style of English football since moving to south Wales from Marseille last summer, netting eight goals and making four assists in 29 Premier League appearances.

The 26-year-old has shown impressive versatility in being able to operate across Swansea's forward line for much of his Liberty Stadium career, playing off either wing and even in a central attacking role.

Klopp could undoubtedly find use for such resourcefulness had he got his hands on the player, and at just £5 million, the Reds may now be regretting not making their move for the Ghana international.