Liverpool Close to Signing Attacking Pair to Replace Cole and Downing – Report
Liverpool are set for a busy January as they moved a step closer to completing deals for their two top targets in Thomas Ince and Daniel Sturridge, while Joe Cole and Stewart Downing could be on their way out of Anfield.
The Daily Mail has reported that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to complete his deals early in the transfer window and is ready to bid £12million for Chelsea striker Sturridge and £6m for Blackpool winger Ince.
The two young English attackers have been repeatedly linked with a move to Liverpool over the last couple of months as Rodgers attempts to bring in some much needed support for Luis Suarez.
Liverpool first attempted to sign Sturridge in the summer but the forward was unwilling to leave on an initial loan deal. However, he has found life at Stamford Bridge frustrating as he has struggled to get in the first team and the Mail believes a deal will be completed in the New Year.
Ince is also wanted by Rodgers after impressing for Blackpool in the last 18 months since he decided to leave Liverpool in search of regular first team football. The Reds received just £250,000 for the winger but are prepared to bring him back and offer him the chance to play regular football.
Rodgers has admitted that he wants to bolster his attacking options in the New Year, while the fact that Ince is just 20 and Sturridge, 23, suits the philosophy of the Liverpool owners who sanctioned big money moves for young players in Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll.
While it seems that new faces will arrive at Anfield, two senior players could be shown the door as the Mail believes that Downing has been informed that he can leave the club if an offer arrives.
Rodgers also refused to rule out the possible sale of Cole by saying that he judges a player on his performances over time, rather than on one game after the midfielder scored against West Ham.
"It's not just about the games. Every player gets a chance every single day to show what they are all about," said Rodgers. "Joe just has to continue to look to get that consistency in his fitness. He's a terrific lad and I feel for him at times. He's working so hard."
Cole has struggled to make an impact since moving from Chelsea on a free transfer and there have been suggestions that Lille would like to sign him after his impressive displays for the club during his season-long loan deal in France.
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