Liverpool Transfer News: Rodgers Looking to £38m Trio
Anfield aim for an injection of youth to the tune of £38m.
Caught Offside. Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez and Fabio Aurelio have all made their Anfield exits already, and Alberto Aquilani is set to move back to Serie A, giving Rodgers ample opportunity to imprint his own managerial personality on the squad. The first of the three prospects is 21-year-old Bologna attacking midfielder Gaston Ramirez, a dynamo who has consistently impressed since moving to Italy two years ago, and if he ends up joining Anfield, will find two national squadmates, Luis Suarez and Sebastian Coates, waiting for him. Liverpool are reportedly prepared to offer £16m. Rodgers is also looking to acquire Swansea City's Joe Allen, though given the manager's previous tenure as that club's boss, he will have to first void an agreement that stated he would not make offers on any of their talent. Apparently, Swansea's boss Michael Laudrup will leave the decision up to Allen, though chairman Huw Jenkins will only agree if their valuation is met, reported to be around £15m. Last but not least, Liverpool are seeking out 19-year-old Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland, who made waves when he was called up as a standby player in England's Euro 2012 squad, and was subsequently selected for Stuart Pearces Olympic team. The addition of Butland would allow the youngster to learn from Anfield's reliable 29-year-old goalie Pepe Reina, while conversely injecting some fresh blood to keep Reina alert. Butland's fee is in the area of £7m.