Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Dempsey, Tello, Sahin and Agger Involved in Latest Speculation

With the start of the new Premier League season just days away, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers looks to be closing in on further new signings at Anfield.

It appears increasingly likely that Barcelona youngster Cristian Tello will be sporting the red of Liverpool next season. Marca reports that managing director Ian Ayre was in Barcelona on Monday in order to negotiate a move with both the club and the player. While a season-long loan remains the likeliest option, a permanent offer is not thought to be off the table.

Tello broke through into the Barcelona first team last season and had hoped to have further opportunities under new boss Tito Vilanova. However, the 21-year-old has been told he will play with the B-team for the upcoming campaign, with just occasional appearances expected for the first team.

The forward would fit perfectly into Rodgers' style of play at Anfield and could add valuable width to the Liverpool side on either the right or the left.

Liverpool are also trying to seal a season-long loan deal for Nuri Sahin from Barcelona's rivals, Real Madrid. It now appears to be a two-way fight between Liverpool and Premier League rivals Arsenal to bring in the Turkish midfielder.

According to Marca, while the player favors a move to the Emirates, Real boss Jose Mourinho would rather the player spend the next 12 months under Brendan Rodgers. Mourinho and Rodgers developed a healthy relationship during their time together at Chelsea.

Much was expected from Sahin after he arrived at the Bernabeu last summer, having being named Bundesliga Player of the Season in his final year at Borussia Dortmund. However, the 23-year-old failed to establish himself in Real's first team and has been deployed at left-back in preseason.
Liverpool could also be set to face competition in their efforts to sign Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey. According to the Daily Mail, Everton are weighing up making an offer for the U.S. international. Boss David Moyes is thought to have money to spend following the sale of Jack Rodwell to Manchester City and may see Dempsey as the goal scoring midfielder to replace the departed Tim Cahill.

Rodgers has made no secret of his desire to sign Dempsey, who has just a year remaining on his contract at Craven Cottage. However, Liverpool and Fulham remain some way apart on a valuation for the player. Dempsey has admitted that he wants a move to a bigger club and aspires to play in the Champions League. While neither Liverpool nor Everton could offer that carrot next season, it is likely that the 29-year-old will view a move to Anfield as giving him a better chance of Champions League football in the future.

There has also been further news on the future of Liverpool defender Daniel Agger. The Danish center-back has been the subject of interest from Manchester City, with the Guardian claiming that Liverpool have already rejected a £20 million offer.

While Rodgers has said that Liverpool may sell for a "ridiculous offer," Agger is in no doubt about his desire to stay at Anfield.

"I'd rather stay," he said. "I can't imagine playing for any other club in England but you never know if the club think it's better to sell me.

"I know there has been interest from Manchester City, but I don't know what Liverpool are responding to it. I am fine with my situation. The club will have to find out what they want to do. I've heard nothing from them. I'd rather stay but that decision is not up to me at the moment."

Liverpool may already be lining up a replacement, though, should they decide to sell. According to the Daily Mirror, Rodgers is eager to reunite with his former Swansea defender Ashley Williams.