Liverpool want Alexis at Anfield to bolster the SAS

Barcelona and Liverpool are finally in the same league again, after both teams lost out on their respective titles. The latter, however, are on the ascendency. Under manager Brendan Rodgers’ inspirational leadership they have gone from strength to strength. In just 12 months, they have been transformed into title contenders, after finishing seventh, and two points behind bitter rivals Everton.

As such, being linked with Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez does not raise any eyebrows. It is easy to see where Rodgers will fit the Chilean into an effortless and fluid 4-3-3/diamond system, and how he can integrate with Luis Suarez et al.

After opening the scoring in the Catalan club’s title decider with Atletico Madrid, Sanchez will understandably catch the attention of many top teams around Europe in the summer. His pace, skill, work rate, understanding, versatility and clinical finishing are all traits that Rodgers values in his players, and the Reds will do well if they can secure the signing before the World Cup.

Sanchez, who is 9/2 to open the scoring in his country’s first match against Australia needs to review his options, with other players in the Barcelona squad rumoured to be disillusioned about the direction of his club over the next few years.

Liverpool, 5/1 for next year’s title, have been linked with a host of players since the end of the season, including Southampton pair Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana, Sevilla left back Alberto Moreno, and PSG striker Edinson Cavani. Although the latter was suggested as a replacement if Suarez was tempted to Real Madrid, it seems the link is becoming unlikelier, with reports surfacing that the Reds’ top scorer last season enrolled his daughter in a Merseyside school.

Sanchez, though, would be a much cheaper option than Cavani, and would probably fit into Liverpool’s system better. He has also dismissed the possibility of joining Juventus, after voicing doubts about whether the Italian side would suit him.

Emre Can of Bayer Leverkusen, who is attracting the interest from around Europe is also connected with a move to Anfield, and any bid would be in the region of £10m. The Germany U21 midfielder is good with the ball at his feet, offers a physical presence and has the dynamism that Rodgers looks for in the centre of the park.