Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Saturday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Hannover captain identified as Gerrard replacement
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is keeping tabs on Hannover midfielder Lars Stindl, who he believes could be the eventual successor to current captain Steven Gerrard.
Reports on talkSPORT claim that the 26-year-old, who recently returned from injury, has been in impressive form so far this season – scoring three goals and making two assists in the last seven games.
He has recently been moved to a slightly more advanced midfield role, allowing him to have a bigger influence in games and control their tempo.
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Andre-Pierre Gignac linked with summer Anfield switch
Reports in Italy claim that Liverpool could move for Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac at the end of the season, with the 29-year-old’s contract set to expire.
Gignac, who has scored 13 goals in 22 games so far this season, has been available to speak to potential new employers since the start of this month, with Premier League teams having expressed an interest in the past.
The French international, who has 19 caps and five goals for his country, has been with Marseille since 2010, scoring 51 league goals in 138 matches.
Bayern Munich pull out of Marco Reus race
Liverpool have been given a surprise boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger Marco Reus, whose buyout clause drops to just £20m at the end of the season.
Bayern Munich have pulled out of the race to sign the 25-year-old, opening the door for a number of Premier League teams, including Arsenal, Manchester United and ourselves.
German newspaper Bild believe that Liverpool are set to step up interest following the news, as they look to win the race to sign the player ahead of the summer window.
Brendan Rodgers describes Gerrard as ‘last of his kind’
Brendan Rodgers has admitted that it will be difficult to replace captain Steven Gerrard next season, describing the iconic midfielder as the ‘last of his kind’.
“It’s an incredible achievement when you think of his story, and the journey he’s had here,” the Reds boss explained in the Daily Mirror.
“It will take some achievement by any player to do that again and I’m not sure they will. His life and journey here have been remarkable and you see how committed and focused on it he still is. And there are more appearances to come too.”
Saido Berahino closing in on new contract
West Brom striker has surprised both Liverpool and Tottenham by making a transfer U-turn and agreeing to sign a new deal at the Hawthorns.
The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield throughout the January transfer window, but has now reopened contract talks with Albion officials.
Berahino has scored 14 goals so far this season and is now expected to extend his stay at the club beyond 2017.
