Five defenders Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is considering to replace the Anfield legend.
With Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher set to hang up his boots this summer, the Reds are in need of a new centre-half, particularly with the erratic Martin Skrtel unsettled.
The Daily Mail has identified five players boss Brendan Rodgers wants to replace the 35-year-old. We reveal who they are…
1. Ashley Williams
The Swansea centre-half is a wanted man! Arsenal are also reportedly tracking Williams, who captained the Jacks to Capital One Cup glory in February and has been a rock at the back all season for Michael Laudrup’s men.
The Gunners are likely to have Champions League football to offer the 28-year-old but Rodgers knows Williams from his time at the Liberty Stadium, which could prove decisive.
2. Steven Caulker
The Spurs centre-half is another player to have previously worked with Rodgers, having spent last season on loan at Swansea.
The 21-year-old was in and out of the Tottenham team before Christmas but has struggled for game time since, with AVB settling on Michael Dawson and Jan Vertonghen at centre-half.
With Younes Kaboul still to return to fitness, Spurs may consider a decent offer for the towering Caulker this summer, who has already earned England recognition and is a big prospect.
3. Federico Fazio
Argentina international Fazio stands at a humongous 6’5″ but loves to stride out of defence a la Beckenbauer. The 26-year-old has also been linked with Arsenal, after a fine season at Sevilla in which he has played 31 times and scored 3 goals.
4. Stefan de Vrij
Young De Vrij may be only 21 but the centre-half has already notched up over 100 appearances for Feyenoord, where he is captain, and five caps for the Netherlands national team.
The defender’s contract expires in summer 2014 so he may be available for a cut-price fee this summer, something that would suit Rodgers.
5. Douglas
Brazilian-turned-Dutch defender Douglas is out of contract and available on a free transfer this summer, something that will appeal to Rodgers.
Fulham, Newcastle and Inter Milan are all also thought to be tracking the 25-year-old, who has been with Twente since 2007 but is in search of a new challenge.
COMMENTS