Liverpool are believed to be interested in Swansea City midfielder Jonathan de Guzman, as Reds' boss Brendan Rodgers continues to raid his former team.

Jonathan de Guzman (R)
Reuters

The 25-year-old Dutch international is an attacking midfielder and is on loan to the Swans from Spanish club Villarreal. The Feyenoord youth product has five goals and five assists from 29 Premier League games this season and is also interesting a number of other top clubs on the continent.

The Metro reports Swansea are in talks with Villarreal over a permanent transfer but the Anfield club are willing to hijack the deal. Rodgers has already signed one player from the Welsh outfit (Joe Allen) and the Mirror reports he has also targeted their captain, centre-back Ashley Williams.

In either case, a move for de Guzman appears likely. Villarreal, who were relegated from the Spanish top flight last season, are in financial trouble and will probably accept bids for the Dutchman. Should that happen, it is unlikely Michael Laudrup's board can outbid the Merseyside club, even if the latter have a limited transfer budget.

de Guzman has refused to comment on speculations but he has admitted his future is uncertain and he hopes to "get something sorted" soon.

Rodgers on Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez

Daniel Sturridge
Reuters

Meanwhile, Rodgers has also commented on Liverpool's first choice strike pairing of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. The Uruguayan international is having an absolutely outstanding season in front of goal, with 22 goals in 29 Premier League games. And Sturridge, a January signing from Chelsea, has been similarly effective since his switch from London, with four goals and an assist in seven league appearances.

"He [Sturridge] is only 23 and knows he needs to improve, but he's a real receptive boy - and he can't have anyone better to learn from than Luis," Rodgers explained, adding, "For me, the striker drives the train. Luis has played up there and is a great leader, the way he presses up there. This is why you love him as a manager. He has an absolutely amazing appetite for the game."