Gareth Barry

[NJ10]

It seems like he is our first transfer target for the summer. Martin O'Neill has confirmed that we made a bid for him, which is rumoured to be around £10m. He has had a good season with Villa, a very consistent Premier League performer, and has stepped into the England fold with ease. He is a good mate of Steven Gerrard's, and the two linked up pretty well for England last autumn, so maybe that will have influenced Benitez's thinking.

If Barry comes it would surely spell the end for Xabi Alonso, I cant see how Barry, Gerrard, Alonso & Mascherano could be fitted into the same team, and I very much doubt Benitez would use Barry as a left back or left sided midfielder. It would be a shame to lose Alonso, but I would guess we would make a profit on the £10m we paid for him, and Barry is a pretty good replacement.

Have to wait and see on this one.

[kyan]

I think this is pointless to be honest. I don't doubt Barry's quality, but Liverpool already have 3 top quality CMs (Gerrard, Mascherano & Alonso) and a couple with potential in Lucas and possibly Plessis. CM and CB (when everyone is fit) are probably Liverpool's strongest positions, need to focus elsewhere if you're to improve much next season imo.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Hopefully Rafa plans to use him on the left back. Liverpool have no need for him in the centre but he's a better player than Lucas. But as you say, maybe Alonso is on his way out?

[The Rule]

Lucas is far younger and has the potential to be a far better player than Barry. And Plessis also looks that way. Stevie, Xabi and Mascha are all vastly superior to Barry so to sign him and sell Xabi would be stupid. If we're going to replace Xabi we need to sign someone of the same calibre or better, Gago perhaps.

We need a fullback and a winger, possibly 2 wingers. Maybe another striker if Crouch goes although Babel is more of a striker than a winger. Another young CB as cover wouldn't go amiss either.

[NJ10]

Originally Posted by The Rule

Lucas is far younger and has the potential to be a far better player than Barry. And Plessis also looks that way. Stevie, Xabi and Mascha are all vastly superior to Barry so to sign him and sell Xabi would be stupid. If we're going to replace Xabi we need to sign someone of the same calibre or better, Gago perhaps.

.

Not sure about Plessis. Had a promising start against Arsenal like but I've seen a fair bit of him in the ressies and he wasnt up to much, and against Birmingham he was frighteningly poor. He's young though, but i cant see him getting too many opportunities.

Lucas will surely benefit next season. His reputation from Brazil is as an attacking midfielder, whereas this season he has played a lot more conservatively, usually as a second holding midfielder. He was superb against Villa Res last night, ran the show like Gerrard can. Would like to see more of that, but whether he will get the license to do it is another matter.

Gago is a strange one. I havent thought too much of him this season, when he came from Boca i heard he was this incredible passer of the ball, like Pirlo. But if anything I have thought his passing and ball retention has been his weakness- although maybe my judgement has been clouded by a couple of goal-costing incidents. I think he would cost a fair whack too. I dont think Barry is gonna make much of a difference to the side, but for me it looks very likely that he will come in and Xabi will be off. I wonder whether Alonso actually wants to stay- ive heard whsipers that he wants his new born to be raised in Spain, and if we can get shot of Pennant & Riise and get a direct replacement for Alonso at the same time then it makes sense.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Lucas is too slow in mind to become a class player. He ain't good enough to hold on the ball.

Plessis will never make it.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Another young CB as cover wouldn't go amiss either.

Liverpool do have Mikel San Jose. He could be used next season.