Liverpool can capitalise on QPR relegation to fill Suarez void

Liverpool began life without Luis Suarez in admirable fashion away to Newcastle, prevailing 6-0 in a success that featured a brace from replacement starting striker Daniel Sturridge.

With the Reds having the forward unavailable for another nine games though, and Suarez’ future at the club uncertain in light of continued interest from Bayern Munich, Brendan Rodgers has begun the search for potential replacements.

And it is towards the foot of the Premier League where the former Swansea boss has focused his hunt, with QPR’s Loic Remy earmarked as a potential Anfield addition.

Remy appears destined to leave Loftus Road this summer, given the recent confirmation of Harry Redknapp’s side’s relegation to the Championship.

The French international has notched five times in 10 top-flight appearances since his £8m January switch from Marseille, but his contribution from a goalscoring perspective has failed to lift the Hoops clear of the drop zone.

Thus, Liverpool appear ready to trigger the striker’s £8m relegation release clause, and their move could prove a blessing in disguise for the Rs, who would relinquish wages in excess of £70,000 per week amidst Remy’s departure.

Indeed, the 26-year-old is likely to be one of the first of a raft of Loftus Road squad members to exit in the close season, as Redknapp and QPR owner Tony Fernandes aim to significantly reduce the club’s financial outgoings.

But Liverpool could face competition for his signature, if reported interest from Arsenal and Newcastle develops further, whilst Tottenham have long had designs on the former Lyon trainee.

It appears the Reds are in pole position to snap up Remy though, particularly if they can find a £17m suitor to Andy Carroll’s services this summer.

Carroll represents the Merseyside outfit’s main source of firepower alongside Sturridge, in light of Fabio Borini’s two goals across all competitions throughout the season.

With Rodgers not keen on the ex-Newcastle man’s physical style of play though, he would prefer to ship the England international out, and utilise some of the fee to fund a bid for Remy.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.