Liverpool Transfer News: Dempsey, Sturridge, Afellay and Carroll Involved in Latest Speculation

Following a credible 2-2 draw with Premier League title holders Manchester City on Sunday, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that he still hopes to make some additions to his squad before the close of the transfer window.

Coming after a disappointing 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the Premier League season, the performance against City was much needed as Rodgers seeks to make an impact at Anfield. Yet the former Swansea boss has revealed that he still needs reinforcements.

"I am not sure. I would hope we could get some more players in," Rodgers said, according to Liverpool's official website.

"The players just need help. We lost players in the summer and we were only able to bring in a few to replace those. If we're going to strengthen, then hopefully we can get a few more in."

After a summer of speculation, one of those players to arrive could be Clint Dempsey. According to the Daily Mirror, Rodgers will personally intervene to push through a move for the Fulham attacking midfielder before Friday's deadline.

It emerged last week that Fulham had reported Rodgers to the Premier League for comments he made about Dempsey last month. But despite Liverpool's interest, no official bid has yet been made for the 29-year-old. Such has been the distraction from Liverpool's interest, though, that Dempsey has not appeared in either of Fulham's two Premier League games this season.

The situation has been a frustrating one for Cottagers manager Martin Jol, but the Dutchman believes that there still maybe a resolution in the next few days.

"If there is no bid what can I do? I cannot sell him to the non-league or put him on loan at Stevenage. Maybe something will happen next week," Jol said on Saturday, according to Sky Sports.

"He really thought he would be on the move four or five weeks ago. His head was turned. He thought it would happen in the next couple of days and it didn't."

Liverpool could raise funds for further strengthening if they can attract a satisfactory offer for striker Andy Carroll. Rodgers has suggested that the England international does not immediately figure in his plans, but no club have yet emerged with an offer that appeals to both the player and Liverpool.

It is believed that Carroll would be happy to move back to former club Newcastle, although last week Rodgers suggested that the Magpies attempts to take the 23-year-old on loan were a "liberty."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has hinted that they could return with an improved offer before the close of the transfer window.

"That is above me that deal, it is a financial deal that will be done at board level if Liverpool agree," he said, according to Sky Sports.

"If I was saying on a playing level would I like him in the squad, of course I would he would add a nice dimension to us."

According to the Daily Mail, Rodgers will move for Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge should Carroll be sold. Although he has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge before, with Chelsea only having Sturridge and Fernando Torres as established strikers on their books, it is hard to see them sanctioning his departure.

Also counting against the chances of a deal is the fact that Sturridge has been deployed mainly as a wide forward, meaning he may not be the goal scorer Rodgers is likely to be seeking.

The latest speculation also sees Liverpool again linked to Barcelona wide midfielder Ibrahim Afellay. After missing much of last season through injury, the Netherlands international looks set to struggle to feature in the first-team this term under new coach Tito Vilanova.

The 26-year-old's agent Rob Jansen has now revealed that his client could leave on loan in the coming days.

"I expect Afellay to leave Barcelona on loan before the transfer window closes," Jansen said, according to Metro.

"Talks are ongoing with several clubs. He has concrete interest from England. But it all depends on Barcelona, though. They decide where their players are going."

The Metro reports that Liverpool along with Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle are interested in Afellay.

Given that Liverpool have just signed a winger in Moroccan Oussama Assaidi, it appears unlikely that Anfield will be Afellay's next destination.