Liverpool fans have had their say over who they’d like to see to replace Steven Gerrard…
On Saturday, ahead of Liverpool’s game with Sunderland, the club’s fans were asked to vote for who they would like to replace Steven Gerrard as the club’s star midfielder next season.
Gerrard, whose contract expires at the end of the current campaign, has already agreed a move to MLS side LA Galaxy, and Kop boss Brendan Rodgers must now seek out a long term successor.
The vote took place on social media website Twitter using #IWouldReplaceGerrardWith. And now, using the suggestions made, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten candidates – as determined by the supporters:
10) Fabian Delph (Aston Villa)
The England international is available on the cheap with his contract set to expire in six months time. Has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the press, but is not the big-name signing Reds fans would be hoping for.
9) Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
Was linked heavily with Manchester United in the summer transfer window, but those rumours eventually came to nothing. Has had injury problems in the past, but has undoubtedly got plenty of quality, as he showed with Chile.
8) Xabi Alonso (Bayern Munich)
Would be a romantic signing for Liverpool, but surely an unlikely one. Even if it were to come off, it would only be a short-term solution. But the Spaniard has shown at Munich this year that he still has plenty of quality.
7) Paul Pogba (Juventus)
A quality player with plenty of years left in him. Would cost the Reds a huge transfer fee, upwards of £50m, but judging by his form for club and country, could be worth the outlay, and would get fans excited.
6) Ross Barkley (Everton)
A controversial target – how would this go down on Merseyside? Barkley has also struggled for form so far this season, but has remained a firm favourite among Liverpool fans, who have been impressed with their rival’s prize asset.
5) Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United)
Has been strongly linked with Arsenal, but Newcastle’s unwillingness to sell could deter any potential bids. The Frenchman is rated at £20m by the Magpies, but is well accustomed to the Premier League and could be a decent buy.
4) Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan)
Still young at 20, but has bags of potential and has the versatility to play in a number of different positions. Has impressed in a struggling Inter Milan team, and could be tempted into a move this year.
3) Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)
Has arguably been the stand out player for Tottenham over the last 18 months, and it would undoubtedly take a huge bid to convince Spurs to sell. A talented attacking midfielder that would fit in well with the Reds methods.
2) Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)
Reportedly available after falling out of favour at Dortmund, who have their own problems struggling down near the bottom of the German league. Still young at 24, and with plenty of experience at the top level.
1) Steven Gerrard (LA Galaxy, Loan Deal)
Anything Frank Lampard can do, Steven Gerrard can do better right? This move has already been suggested in the press, and would certainly delay the Reds need for a top class replacement for a little longer.
