'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAoAAAAFCAMAAAE8vb3MAAAAllBMVEUmJBClq2bV3+HhtbFWBAqzGDBcegKBlS6psWzrgY9kclqxo5eRp0RigwqzPD5WdC5uiwyToXBujwJ+nxzbn7OLh3bP8feFlZXtPlYAAABMNBzXjYnbo7Xnn6nzv9eNl2rZo5+zxdPlo7vZIirPm6N8kSY8TAxMUFCLiUZcUkBSZi5ePjzb7fOhcG6LoTCXh0zvNEBmUEbf/+JuAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAAAQ0lEQVQImQXBBQKCAAAAsaNLuqRTQJr/f46N50/KD51Y5DQZD0UqmK2ry6nkYW/RPssqEJWb872NpK9R7XDK3MYPvBeN6gTKvwVg0gAAAABJRU5ErkJggg=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Brendan Rodgers is looking to add a defensive midfielder to his ranks in the near future, with Frankfurt’s Sebastian Rode and former Chelsea player Nemanja Matic top of his list.
According to The Daily Star and The Express, Rodgers will make a move for one of the two players in January as he looks to continue to stamp his impression on the Merseyside club. Matic, who has become a key player for Benfica in recent months, would be the more costly of the two targets after recent reports said there is a £30 million price tag on the Serbian’s head.
This has turned the Liverpool manager’s head towards the cheaper player. Rode’s contract runs out in the summer and has caught the attention of several clubs across the continent after impressing for Frankfurt in the Europa League.
There is a mutual interest, too. Speaking to Bild, the Germany U-21 international spoke of his desire to play Champions League football and go further with his development.
“I have a contract with Eintracht until 2014, and during talks with the club’s bosses, I made it clear that I will fulfill my contract, but would not like to extend it.” he said.
“I have decided that I need to take a new sporting challenge. I’ve had three great years here, but my aim now is to play in the Champions League.”
Despite Rode’s refusal to sign a new contract, Frankfurt’s Sporting Director Bruno Hubner has said that the club will not cash in on the midfielder in January.
“A number of big clubs are interested in signing him. There’s a lot of speculation at the moment following his good performances, but we have made the decision that Rode is not for sale at any price and will remain at Frankfurt until the end of his contract.”
With Lucas Leiva being linked with a move to Napoli, now managed by former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, Rodgers could need a new midfield enforcer come next summer. Although Rodgers may feel he needs to sign him in January, he will be delighted to pick up such a good young player for free in the summer, but will have to make sure they finish in the Champions League places if they are to get their man.
Sebastian Rode boasts a 90% pass completion rate in this years Europa League campaign, helping Frankfurt to three straight wins without conceding a goal.
??Football graphics and stats from Squawka???
