Liverpool Transfer Rumours: 5 Players Kenny Dalglish May Regret Missing out on

Liverpool, recently boosted by Fenway Sports Group's coffers, have been linked with myriad players this offseason. It is nearly impossible to discern who may be coming to Merseyside next. Downing? Adam?

But here are a few names that the Reds have been heavily linked with and who might be poised to move on if Liverpool do not react quickly enough.

1. Juan Mata

Mata, who recently won the U-21 UEFA Championship with Spain, has long been a name thrown around by the Anfield faithful. Liverpool suffer from a paralyzing lack of width. With Andy Carroll in the side now, that has to change.

Stewart Downing and Aaron Lennon have both been linked with Liverpool very recently, and it seems that Downing is going to try to force a move to Liverpool.

But Mata is an agile playmaker with skill to spare, and being a fair bit younger than Downing, he makes an awful lot of sense. I'd also argue that he's a bit more versatile, which is always a boon. 

Mata's agent recently indicated that he would welcome an offer from Liverpool, but it seems that Arsenal have beaten them to it. Dalglish and Comolli really need to get rolling, lest they see a prized target go to one of their London rivals.

2. Cristian Zapata

Zapata fits the mold for the new Anfield revolution—he's young, skilled and ready to play now. He's also cheaper than a lot of alternatives (Scott Dann, Gary Cahill) that have been suggested.

He's not English, and he does play in a back three, but that should not deter Dalglish from a player who has already openly admitted to wanting to go to Liverpool.

But it seems that Villareal have already agreed terms with Udinese over Zapata's sale. While it would seem that he prefers Liverpool, that won't stop his club from selling him elsewhere if they feel the price is right.

This lad seems another player Liverpool are doomed to miss out on.

3. Gael Clichy

I've written in the past that it seems unlikely that Liverpool acquire the services of the Flying Frenchman pictured above. But with Clichy seemingly eager to move to Anfield, a deal isn't that far-fetched.

He's experienced, proven and a left back—as far as I'm concerned; nothing else even matters given our problems finding a long term solution at the position.

Wenger wants him to stay, but Clichy has as of yet refused to sign a new contract with the Gunners. 

Wenger and Arsenal might be more averse to selling to a rival than forcing Clichy out of the country, however, as Roma have registered interest (and a rather high bid, if you believe the papers).

Clichy prefers Liverpool, but will Wenger let him go north?

4. Park Chu-Young

Liverpool's interest in the Korean international is probably just a feeler. But now that Monaco have said they'll let him go, Dalglish needs to up the ante and seriously consider purchasing the forward, as several other teams have been hovering.

I'll admit to not knowing much more about Park Chu-Young than what I've seen on the internet, but there are several positives to acquiring him.

First, Monaco have just been relegated, meaning there will not be an exorbitant fee placed over his head. While FSG have proven willing to spend, there is no need to simply waste money.

Second, he is relatively skilled at a position that lacks depth for our squad. Conor Wickham has been cited as a backup striker option, but with Ngog leaving and Wickham untested in the top tier, I think Park makes a lot of sense.

Finally, he is Korean. This may seem an ancillary reason at best, but it isn't. FSG have stated that they want to move into the Asian market, currently dominated by Manchester United and Park Ji-Sung. This is a good step in the right direction. Asia is a huge market, and more support from their side of the world means more money for transfers down the line. 

5. Moussa Sissoko

Sissoko is strongly linked with Lyonnais, but his agent has recently said that Liverpool have also spoken to Toulouse about the Frenchman's signature.

Personally, I don't understand the link. He's a central midfielder, a position where we have Steven Gerrard, Lucas, Spearing, Henderson, Meireles (for the time being) and soon to be Charlie Adam. 

While none of those players is a true defensive stopper, I've seen nothing to indicate that Sissoko is, despite his large frame.

Is Sissoko's agent simply talking up his client in an attempt for a better contract?