Liverpool could receive Edin Dzeko from Manchester City in a cash-plus-player exchange for wantaway star Raheem Sterling.

According to Fichajes.net, via George Bellshaw for Metro, Sterling could be on his way to the Etihad Stadium from Anfield this summer, with Dzeko and a hefty fee heading the other way.

The Bosnian struggled for minutes at City this season thanks to the arrival of Wilfried Bony, starting just 11 league games.

Dzeko’s agent, Irfan Radzipegic, spoke about his client’s future in February. Per Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star, Radzipegic said: “Dzeko is 28 years old and wants to play for the most prestigious teams in Europe. If he were to leave Manchester City he’d prefer a big club like Juventus or Atletico Madrid.“

Now 29, should a Champions League team fail to come knocking this summer, Liverpool would likely be an appealing option for Dzeko.

Because of his limited game time this season, the striker scored just six goals and provided three assists in all competitions, but as WhoScored.com indicates, Dzeko has proved in the past that he can be a fairly prolific Premier League goalscorer:

Indeed, Dzeko hit 26 in all competitions in 2013-14, and comfortably reached double figures in the two seasons prior to that. In total, he’s scored 71 goals in 165 games for City.

Thanks to the disastrous signing of Mario Balotelli and the frequent injuries to Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool are desperate for a proven striker, which is just what they’ll get in Dzeko.

He may not be the star name Reds fans are craving, but Dzeko can bolster their forward line.

Unless Balotelli enjoys a dramatic turnaround in form, however, more striking options than Dzeko will be needed in order for Liverpool to significantly contest for a return to the Champions League.

 

Mateo Kovacic to Replace Steven Gerrard?

Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic could be in line to replace the departing Steven Gerrard.

According to Alessandro Di Gioia of Calciomercato.com, via Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool officials have traveled to Italy in order to obtain Kovacic’s signature in a deal that is reported to be worth £12 million.

Kovacic scored five goals this season, and while his return of two assists is modest for a man of his talents, the Croatian has caught the eye and stands out in Inter’s side.

Per Squawka, the 21-year-old has created 59 chances in Serie A this season, more than Liverpool’s entire squad save for Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling, and completed 86 take-ons.

The Guardian’s James Horncastle puts Kovacic in good company:

The youngster has also shown potential to operate in a deeper role than his usual position in attacking midfield.

Per Squawka, Kovacic has completed 49 per cent of his tackles this season, while Zonal Marking notes that he has been used as a defensive midfielder in international games, dominating his side’s play.

At 21, Kovacic has an excellent future ahead of him, and Liverpool would benefit greatly from his cultured presence in their midfield as they begin life without their talisman. His creativity, tenacity and eye for long-range goals make him an outstanding candidate to replace Gerrard.

Furthermore, acquiring his signature in the wake of interest from a host of European giants would send out a strong statement that the Reds can still attract top talent despite no longer being a regular in the Champions League.

Liverpool’s deal to bring in Philippe Coutinho from Inter has been successful, and Kovacic could be just as important for the Reds if they can sign him.

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