Liverpool are being linked with an attempt to sign Juventus striker Carlos Tevez in the Italian press, a move which would kick-start Brendan Rodgers’ hopes of Champions League qualification.

As reported by Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo, Rodgers “could join the race for his signature.” The Northern Irishman will face staunch competition if he does, with Rimmer linking Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Boca Juniors to the player.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone has been open about his admiration for Tevez, recently telling AS (h/t Sky Sports): “One always gets excited if you have players like Tevez. More than the goals he can score per season, he has football running through his veins. It would be an ideal reinforcement considering the way we experience football at Atletico Madrid.”

Tevez may feel he has achieved everything possible in England, having accumulated three Premier League titles, the League Cup, FA Cup and two Community Shields during his time with Manchester United and Manchester City. He also won the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup with United before switching to the Etihad Stadium.

Despite his past with the Red Devils, Liverpool’s fierce rivals, Tevez would be a world-class signing for Rodgers. The player’s busyness endears him to fans, as does his ability to score goals. He racked up 27 in 45 matches across Serie A and the Champions League during the 2014-15 season, recorded by WhoScored.com.

Rodgers has already added Burnley striker Danny Ings to his squad, a player who easily outscored his new team-mates during the recently concluded campaign, per Squawka:

Tevez will lead any side he joins and is likely to rank among the best deals of the summer. A lack of Champions League football may play against Rodgers in this scenario, though, especially as Tevez helped Juve to the final this year.

 

Kovacic Deal ‘Agreed in Principal’

Rodgers’ scouring of the Italian market may also see Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic join the Anfield club. 

Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness) suggests the two sides have “reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of the player.” Sport Witness indicates this is likely to work out at £17 million, a compromise between the amount Liverpool wanted to pay and what Inter hoped to receive.

Comments from Croatian boss Niko Kovac are used by Gazzetta (h/t Sport Witness) when speculating the midfielder may move on: “I do not know the future of Kovacic, but I would be happy for him if he went to play in a club more that’s important,” said the international boss.

Rimmer reports word from Kovacic, who appears to be leaving his options open: “I signed a new contract some months ago and I want to stay here,” Kovacic told Sky Italia. “Right now, yes (I want to stay) but you can never say never.”

The 21-year-old midfielder could add some craft to Liverpool’s centre. He is clever on the ball and well-rounded enough to contribute across the pitch, but he needs regular playing time to reach his potential. Rodgers should only snap Kovacic up if he’s destined to receive significant minutes throughout the upcoming campaign.

B/R UK’s Andy Brassell recently looked at alternative signings for the club:

Rodgers is in the difficult place of needing reinforcements without necessarily being able to compete for the absolute best. Liverpool’s lack of Champions League qualification is likely to stop many top-class players considering the club.

The Reds failed to attract a proven world-beater last summer when elite European football was secured, so this year’s recruitment drive may be a little more difficult.

Returning to the Champions League must be next season’s main goal, a somewhat disappointing turn of events considering Liverpool were two points from the title in 2013-14. 

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