Liverpool Transfer News: Ben Arfa, Eriksen, Ilicic And Carroll Involved In Latest Speculation

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has urged the club to sign his Denmark teammate Christian Eriksen, but the Ajax midfielder has hinted that he is close to sealing a move to Borussia Dortmund.

Eriksen has long been linked to many of Europe’s biggest clubs and, with the 21-year-old refusing to sign a new contract, Ajax have resigned themselves to the fact that the player will be leaving this summer.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move and Agger believes that Eriksen’s creative talent would be a good fit at Anfield.

"We want to play attacking football with the ball on the ground and that is exactly what Christian Eriksen is all about,” he said, according to Sky Sports. “That is the kind of player we need.

"If he plays for a team who want to keep the ball on the ground, then the answer is yes - due to his passing, his runs and his hard work.

"He has to do what he believes is best and no-one else but him should decide his future. You must never listen to anyone else other than yourself."

Eriksen, though, has revealed that there have been talks with Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund and that he would be keen on the move.

“Dortmund are a club where I would like to play,” he told Dutch publication De Telegraaf. “I think I would be a good fit there with the football there.

"I know there has been contact between the two clubs, and both Ajax and Dortmund have already talked to my agent.

"I will consider all the clubs and quietly make a decision. I want clarity when preparing for the new season, that's the best thing -- for everyone."

While Liverpool’s history is almost unrivaled, they are likely to struggle to compete against a Dortmund side that have proved to be a major European force this season and can offer Champions League action next term.

Liverpool could yet add to their creative options this summer, though, with the Daily Mirror reporting that the club is still eager to sign Newcastle’s attacking midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa.

A source is said to have told the Mirror that Ben Arfa is one of the many Newcastle players that they may struggle to hold onto, despite the club having secured their Premier League survival.

Certainly Ben Arfa’s technical ability would be a good fit in Brendan Rodger’s possession-based side.

The potential move could yet be part of a deal that takes Liverpool striker Andy Carroll back to his hometown club.

Carroll, 24, is currently on a season-long loan with West Ham, but there are doubts as to whether the London club have the finances to complete a permanent deal.

Newcastle are also believed to be unable to meet Liverpool’s reported £17 million valuation, which is why a part-exchange involving Ben Arfa could make sense for all parties.

Liverpool are thought to have long held an interest in another attacking midfielder -- Palermo’s Josip Ilicic. With the Slovenia international’s club having had their relegation from Serie A confirmed on Sunday, Palermo’s colorful president Maurizio Zamparini has admitted that there is little hope of them hanging onto their star player.

“Josip Ilicic is a player for big clubs so I really doubt that he will stay with us," he said, reports Sky Sports. "We will have to talk of course but he has already told me that he will leave if he gets an offer from a big club. And I don't doubt that he will get one."

Milan and Tottenham have also been linked to the 25-year-old, although Ilicic’s representative Amir Ruznic has dismissed suggestions that there have already been negotiations with the Rosoneri.