Liverpool transfers: Five strikers Brendan Rodgers could sign

Javier Hernandez

Javier Hernandez has been dropping hints at a possible move away from Manchester United at regular intervals this season. The 25-year-old craves first-team football in a World Cup year and the Red Devils man was recently omitted for his national set-up for the play-offs against New Zealand. With the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez carving open opposition defences and creating chances aplenty, Hernandez would be the ideal six-yard poacher. He has scored a total of 33 Premier League goals in three seasons despite being largely limited to substitute appearances. Of course, it’s difficult to imagine United selling to their bitter rivals. But even casting that issue to one side, Hernandez would not necessarily be an automatic starter with Daniel Sturridge in prolific form.

Sidney Sam

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is reported to be an admirer of Bayer Leverkusen’s Sidney Sam. Bayer boss Sami Hyypia has had his say in recent weeks: “I do not do contracts, but the club knows my opinion. A player like Sid is important for the whole future of the club. If we keep our strong players, we are also attractive for new good players”. And it’s no surprise Hyypia bristled at talk of a possible exit. The 25-year-old has been one of the standout performers in Bundesliga this term after scoring seven goals in 12 top-flight appearances. It’s forced manager Hyypia to already come out and attempt to disperse the circling vultures. Unlike Hernandez, the Germany international doesn’t just score goals but also creates opportunities for his team-mates, too, making four assists this season. The 25-year-old earned his first Germany cap in May.

Loic Remy

Newcastle United are in pole position to sign Queens Park Rangers striker Loic Remy as the France international continues to thrive on his season-long loan at the Magpies. Remy’s quality was evident when he managed to notch six top-flight goals for the Hoops last season despite a series of injuries and playing in a hopeless side. He’s already bagged seven strikes in eight Premier League games this term. The 26-year-old can play in a central role and on the right wing, which is a particular problem area for Rodgers. The Liverpool boss has shuffled Jordan Henderson out to the right this season but the England international doesn’t have natural width. With a season of Premier League football under his belt, Remy wouldn’t take time to adjust, either.

Jackson Martinez

The highly-rated Porto forward has scored seven goals in the Portuguese top flight this season but as of yet, no Premier League clubs have made a move for Jackson Martinez. Liverpool are one English outfit reported to be interested, whilst Tottenham Hotspur, managed by former Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas, are another Premier League side linked with the forward. The Colombia international scored 26 goals in 30 top-flight appearances last season, emulating the success of his compatriot Radamel Falcao at Porto. However, Martinez doesn’t really fit the Fenway Sports Group philosophy; he’s already 27 and it will take a big fee to lure the striker away from the grasp of the Portuguese champions.

John Guidetti

Rodgers pulled off a transfer masterstroke almost 12 months ago when he took a calculated gamble on Sturridge, raising eyebrows with a £12m deal for the struggling Chelsea forward. The 24-year-old’s career had been stalling at Stamford Bridge after showing such great initial promise, but under Rodgers, Sturridge has now established himself as England’s leading goal-scorer. He’s already bagged eight goals this term. Another City youth graduate is John Guidetti. The 21-year-old Swede doesn’t appear to have a Citizens future after an injury-hit spell. The Sweden international did show real promising during a season-long loan at Feyenoord in 2011-12, scoring 20 goals in 23 games. He wouldn’t provide immediate quality back-up for Sturridge and Suarez, but with some shrewd coaxing and nurturing, Guidetti could prove a bargain and a hit at Anfield.