Five in five out for Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers in the summer

Following news that Liverpool, 6/1 for a top four finish with Coral this term, are set for a summer clearout, we suggest five names to come in and replace five possible departures, with skipper Steven Gerrard set to leave, and Jordan Henderson on the verge of signing a new contract.

Out: Mario Balotelli/In: Christian Benteke
It is likely that Liverpool will look to offload the Italian striker, after he has failed to impress since his £16m move last summer. Possible destinations could be former clubs AC Milan or Inter, though somewhere he can be the main man could be a better shout, such as Galatasaray or, if Gonzalo Higuain leaves, Napoli.

Brendan Rodgers may decide to revive interest in Aston Villa’s Belgian striker Benteke, after his return to form under manager Tim Sherwood, though nothing less than a bid of £20m would suffice, if the West Midlands outfit decide to sell.

Out: Fabio Borini/In: Memphis Depay
Sunderland were interested in signing the player they had on loan last season, permanently in the summer, and the Black Cats were prepared to pay £16m for the Italian, only for him to snub the club in favour of proving himself at Liverpool. Needless to say, this hasn’t happened and it would remain to be seen whether Sunderland revive their interest, though the fee would likely be much lower.

The Reds are one of a number of Premier League clubs who have shown strong interest in PSV Eindhoven talent Depay, and any fee would be at least around the £15m mark, after Tottenham tabled a similar bid last summer. His arrival, will certainly give the Reds a boost next term.

Out: Javi Manquillo/In: Sime Vrsaljko
The former will likely return to parent club Atletico Madrid after a disappointing campaign on loan in which he has failed to make an impact.

This should free up a place in the right back berth, and with the future of Glen Johnson also undecided, it could see Rodgers moving for one of Croatia’s highly rated players. Vrsaljko moved to Sassuolo last summer following a decent World Cup, and he offers the type of versatility that Rodgers likes.