Liverpool Transfers: 4 Newcastle Players Rodgers Should Poach This Summer

3. Cheick Tiote

While the Ivorian's form has waned in the past two seasons - partially due to chronic injury problems - the international is still a formidable and imposing defensive midfielder.

Not since the days of Javier Mascherano have Liverpool had a midfielder who truly protects his back four, but by signing Tiote, Liverpool€™s defence would gain exactly that - a domineering shield.

Liverpool's midfield is crying out for a fearsome presence; someone who, when selected, strikes fear into the souls of opposing midfielders. Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen just don't quite cut the mustard.

A move to a top club would work wonders for the midfielder as he would be determined to show that he can still perform at the top level in the Premier League. And he would presumably be happy with the chance to compete at the top having apparently courted a "big club" move almost since he came to England.

The 28-year-old has averaged more tackles (3.1) per league game this season than any other Newcastle player.