Liverpool FC: Top 5 Left Wingers Rumored to Be on Their Way to Anfield

Liverpool FC take on Tottenham Hotspur on May 15 in a match which could decide the only Europa League position which is up for grabs.

A win or even a draw may be enough for the Reds to see them through whereas their injury-ravaged opponents from London need a victory at the bare minimum to confirm what would be a consolation prize for them after their high-flying Champions League status this season.

After Liverpool's brilliant performances of late, though, the Reds head to the Anfield encounter as favorites.

However, whatever be the outcome of the match, rumors have already begun to circulate that John W Henry, the club's principal owner could be around on the match day and may confirm Kenny Dalglish, the present caretaker manager, as the manager of the club on a permanent basis.

Dalglish, or King Kenny as he is often called, has always mentioned that money would be made available to the club this summer, so whoever is in charge could then press on with Damien Comolli to finally shortlist the summer signings for the club.

Of all the positions Liverpool look likely to spend upon, the left midfield or the left wing seems to be imminent. Here in the following slides I have named five top left wingers whom Liverpool have been linked with in the recent days. At least one or two of them seem to be certain additions to the Liverpool squad.

Antoine Griezmann, Current Club: Real Sociedad

Antoine Griezmann has been linked with a move to Liverpool for almost a year now. This French U-21 player has been highly impressive at his Basque club, Real Sociedad for two seasons in a row now.

Although their promotion to the La Liga was greatly celebrated by their fans after the topped the Segunda Division last year, a season with the country's elites has been tough.

Antoine, though, has been highly impressive still and has attracted interest from Europe's elites. Although the 20-year old can be used as a striker, his acceleration and abilities on the ball make him a better left winger and that is where he has been used primarily.

Liverpool may have to compete with a few big clubs like Valencia if they are to opt for the player in the summer; however, if Sociedad is relegated, the signing could be a relatively cheap affair.

Griezmann has scored 13 times for Real Sociedad so far.

Diego Perotti, Current Club: Sevilla FC

One of the more recent additions to Liverpool's list of most wanted among the left wingers have been Argentinean left winger Diego Perrotti.

Although the Sevilla FC player is perfectly versatile with his ability to play as an attacking midfielder too, he has primarily been used as a left winger by Sevilla.

He has the ability to use both feet effectively and has been highly impressive since his move to the Spanish outfit in the summer of 2007. The 22-year-old may, however, cost Liverpool a princely sum of 20m GBP.

Adam Johnson, Current Club: Manchester City

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LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Adam Johnson of Manchester City goes past Patrice Evra of Manchester United during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON semi final match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 16, 2011 in London, E

With Manchester City now having qualified for next year's Champions League, it is expected that the ultra rich owners of the Manchester based club are sure to go after many a player in the transfer market.

Frequent references have been made of Alexis Sanchez, the wonderful Chilean winger at Udinese. However all that spending could render a few of City's current players surplus to requirements. Adam Johnson could well be one of them.

Even though the former Middlesborough man was forced to spend time on the sidelines after being injured mid-way through the season, barring a few very recent encounters, he has been sparingly used by the club.

All this could aid Liverpool if they are to pursue the 23-year-old England international seriously. However, City is unlikely to let him go for cheap if they do let him join a rival.

Juan Mata, Current Club: Valencia

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VALENCIA, VALENCIA - APRIL 10: Juan Mata (R) of Valencia duels for the ball with Mateo Musacchio of Villarreal during the La Liga match between Valencia and Villarreal at Estadio Mestalla on April 10, 2011 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos

Juan Mata has been on the Anfield radar for about three years, and with the club finally having the required money to invest, the Spaniard may finally be on his way to Anfield this summer.

This 23-year-old Mata, who possesses great pace, intelligence, and goalscoring ability, may well be one of the big buys for Liverpool, who are in desperate need to strengthen their left mid-field and wings. Mata has also been sparingly been used as a midfielder by his club.

The Real Madrid graduate, who failed make his mark at Madrid, has earned all his reputation as a Valencia player only. However, with the club now highly in debt, it is widely considered that a bid of around 20m euros for Mata may be too much for the club to turn down.

Mata has already scored 33 times for Valencia and four times for his country in 11 international appearances.

Ashley Young, Current Club: Aston Villa

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 29: Ashley Young of England in action during the international friendly match between England and Ghana at Wembley Stadium on March 29, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Ashley Young, the England and Aston Villa winger, is by all counts Liverpool's first-choice summer target this time after being on the Anfield radar for very long.

The 25-year-old England international has attracted interest from a host of clubs in England, however, as far as recent reports go Liverpool and Manchester United seem to the only ones interested in the player.

And although Liverpool will not be able to lure the player on the grounds of Champions League football next season, it has been reported that a regular first team position is what could be critical for Young in context to his career as an England international.

Manchester United already has four wingers in their squad and thus Liverpool's offer may just be too tempting for Young to turn down, as he is 25 already and the worst he could do is await his chance behind established regulars.

Aston Villa also could slap a high price tag on the player whom they are reluctant to sell, however with the wingers' current contract expiring next summer, the club may be forced to sell him for as much as 15m GBP.

Some of the recent reports also suggested that Liverpool could be in for a double raid on Aston Villa, going after Young's strike partner Stewart Downing also in the process.

However, Downing has downplayed any such speculation and is likely to stay at Villa. Also Downing's age (27 by the end of the calendar year) may prove prohibitive for the Anfield outfit, who now have clear policy to hire younger players.