Reds to soften Sterling exit with stellar signing of Reus?

Much depends on the stance of new tactician Thomas Tuchel, with Reus an embodiment of former coach Jurgen Klopp’s exciting and successful brand of football, though the Reds may have to do more than just convince the German giants.

The latest reports surrounding wingman Reus, who could have been a free agent this summer, have suggested that the 26-year-old rejected a move to Barcelona for fear of being overshadowed or failing to find game time, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Suarez already installed at the Nou Camp.

A more likely reason for the flank threat, who hit 16 goals and provided 14 assists at his peak for Dortmund in 2013/14, to stay put, is the support that the Westenfalenstadion side gave Reus when his World Cup dreams were shelved by a serious injury. Having missed out on the Brazil triumph, the 25-capped Germany international will surely not want to risk being benched ahead of Euro 2016.

A mooted £46m offer may be too much for Dortmund (8/1 to win the Europa League) to resist, especially after Reus’ disappointing return last term, though the German still grabbed seven league strikes, the same as Sterling.

It may appear unrealistic that quick-footed and fast-thinking Reus would turn down Barca but then move to Merseyside, however, after Steven Gerrard and Sterling’s exits he would certainly be the big fish in a historically bigger pond, and an undoubted starter.

Able to bring somewhat of a Gareth Bale impact to Liverpool’s attack, with electric pace and a real goal threat from wide, Reus is one of the players who looks ready-made for the Premier League. Just the kind of coup the Reds crave, a trio of Die Mannschaft’s midfielder plus Brazil pair Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino could see Rodgers really push his team to contend, and bring guile and goals galore.