Reina Set For Anfield Exit As Rodgers Targets 3 New Signings In January

Despite the transfer window being closed, there is always transfer gossip doing the rounds in the papers and we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest news during the coming months. Today, Liverpool are set to replace Pepe Reina and target three new signings.

Pepe Reina could be set to leave Liverpool next month with a new goalkeeper a priority for Brendan Rodgers as he targets three new signings this January, according to the Daily Mail.

The report claims that Rodgers has been left unsure about Reina since he arrived in the summer and has lined-up Birmingham and England stopper Jack Butland as his first choice replacement, while young German prospect Ron-Robert Zieler is also under consideration.

Reina has missed large parts of the season with a hamstring injury and deputy Brad Jones has also failed to impress between the sticks, leading to Rodgers looking to sign a new stopper when the window re-opens next month.

Liverpool made enquiries about Butland in the summer but decided to hold off making an official move for the 19-year-old. However, with Rodgers not convinced Reina is his long-term No.1, the Reds are ready to renew their interest in Butland with a January bid.

Should he fail to land the England starlet, Rodgers has identified Hannover keeper Zieler as his back-up choice with the 23-year-old available for £12.2m due to a buy-out clause in his contract.

Liverpool may be willing to sell Reina in order to fund their January spending plans and Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for the Spaniard in recent transfer windows. But any move would depend on whether a keeper is still a priority for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, while it’s also been suggested the Merseysiders may try and use Reina as bait to land Theo Walcott.

Rodgers is also looking to strengthen his attacking options and the Mail claim he is close to agreeing a £12m deal to sign Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge and will also look to re-sign Thomas Ince for £6m.

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Sturridge has been on Liverpool’s radar for some time and the 23-year-old is expected to leave Chelsea after failing to make the break-through at Stamford Bridge this season. However, the forward has denied reports he’s demanding £80,000-a-week and to be played in a central striking role in order to move to Anfield.

Ince left Liverpool for Blackpool only 18 months ago for £250,000 but Rodgers wants to re-sign the 20-year-old midfielder next month.