Liverpool Transfer News: After Benteke Signing, Marco Reus To Reds? Rickie Lambert To West Brom?

While Liverpool and manager Brendan Rodgers put the finishing touches on the £32.5 million deal for now former Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, the Reds appear to have their eye on at least one more splash move before the close of the summer transfer session. Thus far, Liverpool’s summer can be praised for filling the necessary holes in Rodgers’ lineup without breaking the war chest. As ESPN FC tabulates, the Reds' net spending, assuming Benteke’s physical goes well, has reached roughly £20 million, a relatively small amount compared to last year that still leaves room for perhaps one more major addition.

Now it appears Liverpool and Rodgers are reaching for the stars and hope to pry attacking midfielder Marco Reus from Borussia Dortmund, according to Liverpool Echo. Specifically, the Reds are trying to quickly spend the £49 million bounty received from Manchester City for Raheem Sterling, and Rodgers has been “plotting” a £46 million deal for Reus for some time.

The 26-year-old Reus would likely serve a dual role of playmaker and scorer, acting as Sterling and, to some extent, Steven Gerrard’s replacement. He struggled with injuries during the last Bundesliga term, but still netted 11 goals in 29 appearances and added another nine goals for Germany’s international side.

However, Real Madrid are reportedly a very big roadblock in Liverpool’s way, The Echo reports. There’s no indication as to how much more Los Blancos’ are willing to spend, but the Reds may be outmatched in a bidding war with the Spanish giants.

Reus, who missed Germany’s World Cup run last year with an ankle injury, also has a “ligament problem,” a revelation that could scare both Madrid and Liverpool away.

Of course, if Liverpool proves successful they will have to shuttle off some talent to make room for Reus as well as the official signings of Benteke and Danny Ings.

That could mean the end of striker Rickie Lambert’s brief tenure at Anfield. According to Daily Mirror, newly promoted Norwich are interested in the 33-year-old former Southampton star and the Reds aren’t standing in the way. The Mirror suggests Liverpool would likely expect the £3 million they spent to acquire Lambert last summer.

After scoring an incredible 106 goals over five years with Southampton, Lambert struggled in his first term with his boyhood club with two goals over 25 appearances.

There are several other squads interested in Lambert, which could mean a bigger fee for Liverpool. West Brom, Bournemouth, and Aston Villa have also inquired, but West Brom appears to be the strongest candidate. The Guardian reports Lambert and the Baggies could engage in talks and finalize a deal later this week.