Liverpool plot summer move for Valencia’s Europa League hero

Brendan Rodgers looks likely to bolster Liverpool’s attacking options this summer with Valencia youngster Paco Alcacer the latest forward to be linked with an Anfield move.

The forward was the star of the show for the La Liga side this week, grabbing a well-taken hat-trick in Los Che’s 5-0 win over Basel in the Europa League – a game that saw them overturn a 3-0 deficit to progress to the semi-finals.

At just 20-years-old, the forward may be one for the future but he has so far impressed for the Spanish giants in an otherwise patchy season.

A total of six goals in 17 appearances for Valencia is impressive enough but it’s in Europe where he has particularly shone, scoring seven goals in 10 appearances on the continent this term.

That could be enough to tempt Liverpool into a move with manager Brendan Rodgers always keen to add young attacking talent to his squad, which remains reliant on the dual talents of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez in attack.

No fee has yet been mentioned, but with the La Liga side continuing to endure financial hardship, stemming from the ongoing issues surrounding the completion of a new stadium, the Reds could pounce.

This latest rumour comes hot on the heels of reports linking the Merseyside club with a summer move for out-of-favour Manchester City defender Micah Richards.

The one-time England international has reportedly turned down a new deal at the Etihad and, having grown frustrated at playing second fiddle to Pablo Zabaleta, is looking for a move away.

All of these developments come ahead of City’s key title clash with the Reds at Anfield.

Liverpool are currently 7/5 to beat the Sky Blues on their own patch, with the draw currently 13/5 and a win for the Manchester club offered at 9/5 at Ladbrokes.

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

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