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There's been a clear sense of excitement for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool for this season. The team has seemed at times capable of taking on any opposition and in other moments have simply crumbled under the expectations. These expectations have certainly grown after the team's terrific 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the UCL.
The winner of the Premier League title this season is all but certain, however all signs point towards Liverpool as a leading contender for next year. At times the Reds have seemed to lack the proper squad depth.
Here is a look at five players rumored to be on Liverpool's transfer radar and who could propel the Anfield side towards Premier League glory.
#5 Thomas Lemar (AS Monaco)
Lemar has long been rumored to be getting ready to make his way to the Premier League. The 2016-17 season proved very successful for AS Monaco, winning Ligue 1 and reaching the Champions League semifinals, and the midfielder's performances were a significant factor in their accomplishments.
His transfer would bring much-needed security in the midfield area for the Reds. In the current Ligue 1 season, his passing success rate has been a strong 82%.
He has also provided 7 assists and has scored twice himself. With rumors of the player being unhappy with his current club and therefore not offering his best, there is reason to believe he could greatly improve in England.
Klopp is reportedly ready to bank on the French international to successfully replace Philippe Coutinho, who joined Barcelona in a £142 million transfer. Liverpool may have money to spend, but they'll need to battle clubs such as Arsenal for the player's signature, aswell as Monaco's own unwillingness to let the player leave.
All stats via WhoScored
#4 Anderson Talisca (Besiktas)
Turkish media recently reported that the talented Brazilian has refused an offer to join La Liga side Valencia. That's good news for Liverpool with the Besiktas player said to be considering a move to Anfield.
Although no official offer has been made yet, the British club is said to have been in contact with the player's representatives.
Talisca is an attacking midfielder cut from the same cloth as some famous Reds players such as Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane. The Brazilian is also a pacey midfielder with brilliant technique on the ball and capable of using these qualities to create numerous scoring chances.
Possessing great skills and vision, the Brazilian has contributed 17 goals and 3 assists for Besiktas this season. If his performances so far are any indicator, Talisca could quickly adapt to the pace Klopp likes to employ in the teams he has managed.
Considering Liverpool's recent nous for nurturing the talent of South American players (for example Roberto Firmino and Phillipe Coutinho), this could prove to be the step forward he needs in his career.
#3 Alisson (AS Roma)
The goalkeeper is one of the most sought-after players in the world at this moment, with several high-profile clubs looking to make a bid for the player in the summer window.
He may have had four goals scored against him by Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinal, but clubs such as Liverpool and PSG are unlikely to lose interest any time soon.
With Klopp looking for an experienced starter in the goalkeeper position, Allison could prove the natural choice.
Allison has started for Roma in most of their games this season. The Brazilian is known to possess great reflexes and is efficient at stopping shots from close range. Besides that, he has shown he's capable of giving long-range passes the Liverpool offensive line could quickly latch onto and turn into scoring opportunities.
#2 Iker Casillas (FC Porto)
If the offer for Allison is not successful, Liverpool may choose to bid for a very experienced goalkeeper, Spain's Iker Casillas.The goalie has been playing for FC Porto since leaving Real Madrid in 2015 and would likely be interested in a move to the Premier League, considering Liverpool's rise in form especially.
At 36, there are few players with a higher level of experience. Casillas possesses great reflexes and concentration, aswell as impressive leadership skills. Making good use of these qualities, the Spaniard became one of the most successful players in the modern era.
The keeper has won the Champions League trophy on three occasions with Real Madrid. He has is also a World Cup and a European Cup winner (twice) with Spain. Liverpool would certainly benefit from his illustrious past and his desire to prove himself by taking on a new challenge in the twilight of his career.
There is some uncertainty at the moment regarding Liverpool's current goalies. Simon Mignolet is expected to leave the club in the summer, with Loris Karius yet to fully convince Klopp due to his inconsistent form. Above all, transferring Iker Casillas would prove to be a signal of intent by Liverpool.
#1 Moses Simon (KAA Gent)
Liverpool's increase in popularity with neutral fans is largely due to their ability to score plenty of goals and offer a great offensive display. But most of these goals have come courtesy of their attacking midfielders. A quality striker is needed to help the team remain consistent.
Moses Simon is a 22-year-old Nigerian striker attracting a lot of attention through his performances at Gent. Liverpool is one of the clubs said to be monitoring the striker.
Simon is a highly talked about young striker, possessing good pace, balance and great instinct in front of goal. His abilities would especially favor Klopp's preference for a counter-attacking strategy.
Simon's career has yet to fully take off, but Klopp could be the manager to bring out the best in the player and turn him into a top-class goalscorer.
While other Premier League clubs such as Newcastle and Brighton are said to be keeping a keen eye out for the player, Simon would likely be tempted to join title-hopefuls Liverpool. With a price tag of around £13 million, this would certainly be a bargain deal for the Premier League side.
Should Liverpool manage to keep their most important players and manager in place for next season, they could prove a reputable force in the Premier League. These five players would only help bolster the squad in the race for domestic and international success.
