Yann M’Vila’s impending availability should prick Liverpool ears

It was only a matter of time before former Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila was linked with a move to English shores again, and now that instance has arrived once more it’s Liverpool who should be most intent on winning any potential bidding war.

Reports in Russia, where M’Vila is plying his trade on Rubin’s fringes, suggest the midfield spoiler will be cashed-in-on this summer with Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and Liverpool having shown an interest in January and before.

Although a case could be made for all of the aforementioned quartet to sign a defensive midfielder it’s the title-chasing Reds who should be most intent on snapping up the French international.

Whether or not Brendan Rodgers’ side succeed in their 14/5-rated quest to lift the Premier League title this season, Liverpool’s rapidly development as a squad is still short of options in key areas.

If the club are to maintain their position of challengers to the English crown in seasons to come, high-quality reinforcements are required, especially as the squad will be tested to the full with the reintroduction of European football.

For Rodgers, therefore, finding another defensive-minded central midfielder seems like a key piece of any transfer business in the recess.

Although captain fantastic, Steven Gerrard, has seamlessly dropped back to that anchoring role at Anfield, his 33-year-old legs ‘fresh’ from another World Cup in the summer, will be that bit stiffer.

Then there is Lucas, who is the club’s greatest snuffer of danger, but also one of the players most prone to an injury lay off, giving plenty of scope for a younger, fitter model to take on the Rodgers mantra of high pressing.

Step forward M’Vila, who at 23 years-old has been capped 22 times by France and is recognised as a highly tenacious yet cultured midfielder who would fit Liverpool’s requirements perfectly.

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