Liverpool Transfer Rumours: 5 Players the Anfield Club Are Still Considering

Although Liverpool have splashed some serious cash in both the summer and winter transfer windows in 2011, it appears there is still no end to their transfer business in sight. The owners are pushing for Champions League qualification this season.

Lack of European football this campaign will mean the club have extra time to focus on the league and domestic trophies, which will also allow them more time to hone their strategy after introducing so many new faces. However, some believe it is also hampering their ability to attract top talent to the club.

With that said, there are still a large amount of players being linked with a move to Anfield, with two weeks left in the transfer window.

Here is the Reds' reported shortlist of candidates that could be seen on Merseyside in the coming weeks if what we hear is true.

Ryan Shawcross

Stoke City's captain and most promising defender at only 23-years-old, Ryan Shawcross has shown maturity beyond his years at times and has proven a competent skipper for the Potters.

His best games usually seem to be reserved for club's home games in the caldron that is the Britannia Stadium, but he has nevertheless been a force in the English Premier League for the last three years since the club arrived in the top flight.

The Reds are believed to have offered a sum of around £10 million for the player, but the Potters appear to be holding out for at least £18 million.

It is possible that the addition of David N'Gog in a player-plus-cash deal could make it more affordable, and help out both clubs.

Alex

With Juventus and Bayern Munich both looking to sign Chelsea centre-back Alex, Liverpool have apparently lodged a shock last-minute bid for the player in an attempt to scupper his move abroad.

The Brazilian has a reputation for pile driving free kicks, which is something the Reds have been missing since the days of John Arne Riise, who recently returned to the Premier League with Fulham.

An offer of £12 million is believed to be on the table for the Chelsea player, and while it seems to make little sense from the perspective of the Blues, he could be a great signing for the Reds.

Paddy McCourt

Celtic winger Paddy McCourt could be heading to Liverpool in what looks to be considered a bizarre move.

McCourt has been inconsistent as a starter for the Bhoys, but his talent has been seen all over the place. Kenny Dalglish, a former Celtic manager, knows the abilities of the 27-year-old well and most likely has a role in mind for the player.

The Reds still do not have a genuine super sub in their midst. Dirk Kuyt could prove to be so if he spends most of his time coming off the bench, but McCourt would be looked upon as an impact player in a short period of time.

Gary Cahill

Yet another defender that has been heavily linked with the Reds this summer has been Gary Cahill of Bolton Wanderers. The player scored over the weekend as the Trotters sit joint-top of the table with Manchester City on goal differential.

Cahill is believed to be one of England's future centre-backs, as Rio Ferdinand and John Terry begin to age.

It is believed it would take at least £15 million to £20 million to prize him away from the Reebok. However, if the right offer comes in, Bolton could accept it as they continue to try to balance their books.

Kenny Dalglish will continue to face stiff competition for the player from Arsenal, as the Gunners have a fresh injection of cash following the sale of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona.

Per Mertesacker

German international and Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker is perhaps one of the better defensive players on the market that the Reds are believed to be looking to sign.

The German is thought to be available for around £8 million. At 26 years old, he also fits in the age categories of both experience and youth.

His time at Bremen has seen him make 205 total appearances for the River Islanders, scoring 16 goals for them from the back.

An eye for goal is a clear trait among the possible defensive additions at Anfield, and the big German's ability from set-pieces at 6'6" makes him a deadly weapon.

Conclusion

The Reds truly are looking to focus on their defense as their last measure of strengthening their side before the end of the summer window.

They are continually linked to quality central defenders, which proves they know Jamie Carragher's days are unfortunately numbered.

Alex would bring back a driving free kick, while Shawcross or Cahill would keep that English presence for the Reds at the back.

Per Mertesacker could be a new version of Sami Hyypia in many ways, although no one will replace the Finnish defender in my heart.

With only two weeks left, I am very interested to see what the Reds make happen.

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