Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Dempsey, Johnson, Sahin and Carroll Involved in Latest Speculation

An opening day 3-0 Premier League defeat to West Brom left no-one in doubt of the challenge that new boss Brendan Rodgers faces in attempting to bring the glory days back to Liverpool.

Fans will be assuaged then with reports that Rodgers will be given money to spend before the close of the transfer window at the end of the month. According to the Independent, Rodgers will make signing unsettled Manchester City winger Adam Johnson his priority.

The England international, 25, has struggled to hold down a regular place in Roberto Mancini's side since joining for £8 million from Middlesbrough in the 2010 winter transfer window. Johnson has often made a big impact coming off the bench, though, and there is little surprise that Liverpool are just one of several clubs eager to meet his desire for first-team football.

The Independent reports that Sunderland, Tottenham and Everton are also willing to meet City's £10 million valuation, although the Reds are thought to be in pole position. Johnson would become the second winger to move to Anfield this month, with the signing of Moroccan international Oussama Assaidi confirmed late last week.

It remains to be seen if a move for Johnson would signify an end to Liverpool's interest in Clint Dempsey. The attacking midfielder was not in Fulham's squad for their Premier League opener as he tries to force through a move away from the club.

But, while Liverpool's interest is well established, Fulham have been left frustrated over the Reds' failure to make a concrete offer for the United States international.

According to the Daily Mirror, Sunderland are now looking to take advantage of the situation by tabling a bid for the 29-year-old.

There can be little doubt that Dempsey would prefer a move to Anfield, but whether Liverpool are prepared to meet Fulham's asking price, thought to be around £10 million, remains doubtful.

Funds could be freed up, however, should Liverpool strike a deal to sell striker Andy Carroll. Rodgers has made it clear that the towering front man is not in his immediate plans and only used the England international as a late substitute against West Brom. According to the Daily Mirror, Carroll has now been given until the end of the week to make a decision over his future. With Rodgers aware of the need to bring in a replacement should Carroll depart, the club is eager to avoid panic buying in the final hours of the transfer window.

Liverpool, though, remain reluctant to lose big money on a player they signed for £35 million just over 18 months ago. Carroll is also hesitant to leave the club and has already turned down a move to West Ham.

Finally, there could be renewed hope for Liverpool in their attempts to bring Nuri Sahin to the club on a season-long loan from Real Madrid. The Guardian reports that Arsenal are firm front-runners to sign the midfielder, but negotiations have hit a stumbling block. It is believed that Arsenal are keen for a clause in the agreement allowing them to purchase Sahin at the end of the loan deal; something which Real are reluctant to agree.

This discrepancy could potentially bring Liverpool back into the equation to sign the 23-year-old Turkey international.