Despite being in financial turmoil and out of the Champions League, Liverpool are actively looking to add reinforcements to their squad in the close season. With Rafa Benitez most likely to stay at the Merseyside club, a string of experience Premiership players are being targeted by the Reds after their disappointing experiences with foreign recruits.
Stephen Ireland wants to move out of Manchester City desperately after not featuring in Roberto Mancini’s plans. Liverpool have admired Ireland for a long time and even had a bid rebuffed at the start of last season. City are willing to listen to offers for the Republic of Ireland midfielder but both Tottenham and City’s cross town rivals Manchester United have expressed their interest. With both Hotspurs and United offering Champions League football, it will be difficult for Liverpool to sneak away with Ireland under their noses.
The biggest stumbling block in Liverpool’s chase of Joe Cole will be his exorbitant wage demands. Liverpool will again face stiff competition from Tottenham for his signature, but with the London club also baulking at Cole’s demands, the Chelsea midfielder is expected to revise his expectations.
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