Some possible acquisitions for Liverpool perhaps?
Brendan Rodgers has proved during his time at Anfield that he is not afraid to give youth a chance, building a side around the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling, whilst giving exciting winger Jordon Ibe his debut this season.
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But if this campaign has proven one thing – after the great success of last year – it is that the job of creating a side of regular Premier League title contenders is still some way off being completed.
Rodgers’s transfer policy has come in for some criticism in the past, so perhaps a fresh approach of looking closer to home may help the squad develop. Currently, the Championship is boasting some of the most promising talents, and with the Northern Irishman’s ability to nurture potential, they could help return the Reds back to the league’s summit.
Here are eleven players who are lighting up the division, and could be candidates for a summer move:
GK- Alex Smithies (Huddersfield Town)
Smithies may not be a youngster in the conventional sense, but 25 is no age for a goalkeeper. He has arguably struggled to live up to the high expectations placed upon him when he first emerged at the Yorkshire club. However, he has bags of first-team experience – having already made nearly 250 league appearances – and could represent the kind of back-up keeper that would really test Simon Mignolet.
CB- Tyrone Mings (Ipswich Town)
The 22-year-old has been linked with the Reds in the past(via the Daily Star) and it is not difficult to see why. He has been an integral part of the Tractor Boys’ push into the promotion picture this season, and while Mick McCarthey’s men may have tailed off in their hopes of returning to the top flight, he has maintained his high performance levels. His refreshing attitude off the field makes him an endearing character also.
CB- Grant Hanley (Blackburn Rovers)
It is surprising, given how long he seems to have been around for, that Hanley is only 23. But the Scottish defender is already an international with seventeen caps, and has made over 100 appearances for Rovers. He has been out since February however, so missed the two FA Cup ties. He is a tough tackler, and is useful for attacking set-pieces.
CB- Lewis Dunk (Brighton)
The Brighton centre-half is probably best known to Reds fans for scoring a comical own-goal at Anfield three years ago. But since then, the 23-year-old has established himself as one of the few bright points in the Seagulls’ side. He was linked with Everton, West Ham, and West Brom in the Echo last month, but with the right guidance, he could become a decent addition.
RM- Sam Byram (Leeds)
According to the Daily Star, the Reds are poised to make an £8m bid for the talented youngster. Having started his career as a right-back, he has been utilised in a more attacking role by Leeds boss Neil Redfearn. He has proved at Elland Road that he is not afraid of a challenge, but also has the skill to get past players. He will however need Rodgers’s help to prepare for the challenge of better quality opponents in the top flight.
CM- Lewis Cook (Leeds)
The Daily Express have reported that Liverpool are one of a number of top Premier League clubs after the 18-year-old. His emergence with the Peacocks has been rapid, and has coincided with their move away from the Championship relegation zone. His passing is perhaps his main strength, but he is yet to get onto the scoresheet, which would need to change if he stepped up.
CM- Will Hughes (Derby)
The 19-year-old has already featured in over 100 league games for the Rams, such is the belief that the club have in him. He is an assured, yet exciting player who appears to glide past opponents with the ball stuck to his feet. The Daily Mirror have previously reported that Liverpool are planning a £15m summer move for the midfielder. But if there’s any player from this list ready to step into the first-team, it is probably Hughes.
LM- Alex Mowatt (Leeds)
The final of Leeds’s academy graduates to make the list, however, Alex Mowatt is arguably the best of the trio. He appears to have found his position on the left of midfield, somewhere where Liverpool are perhaps looking to strengthen. The Daily Mirror reported last month that the Reds were interested in the 20-year-old, who has an impressive return of nine goals in thirty-three appearances.
ST- Benik Afobe (Wolves)
One area that Brendan Rodgers needs to improve is his goalscorers, and by signing the former Arsenal trainee, they would do that. The 22-year-old has featured in League One and the Championship this season, and has proved his ability to find the back of the net at both MK Dons and Wolves. Since his left the Emirates permanently in January, he has bagged ten goals in sixteen games for Kenny Jackett’s men.
ST- Patrick Bamford (Middlesbrough)
The 21-year-old has led Boro’s promotion charge, scoring fifteen times along the way. Unlike Mario Balotelli, his confidence in his ability does translate into goals. He is currently on loan from Premier League leaders Chelsea, but it seems unlikely that with the Blues predominantly playing one up front, that Jose Mourinho will have the patience to give him a chance.
ST- Callum Wilson (Bournemouth)
If the Cherries reach the Premier League for the first time, it will largely be down to the former Coventry striker, who has been lethal this season. The 23-year-old has a good amount of pace, and proved with a wonderfully clever goal against Brighton last time out, that he has plenty of skill.