Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has described PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay as a ‘very talented’ player and refused to comment on his club’s interest in signing the Dutch international.
A host of European clubs including Manchester United and PSG are understood to be competing for Depay’s signature this summer.
Rodgers earlier maintained that signing attacking players are a priority for the Reds this summer, as the club looking to bounce back strongly after a dull league campaign.
“I wouldn’t like to confirm either way [about Depay],” Rodgers said. “The kid is a very talented player.
“There’s going to be a whole raft of players that I’m sure will be looked at and then it will be up to the club if they’re affordable and available.
“It’s clear we need the goal threat for next year. We’ve identified that a striker is a priority but we’ll have to see availability first and then take it from there.
“I’ve got a great squad of players. But the natural process for some players would be that they want to move on anyway, and we’ve had some for a couple of years who maybe haven’t played as much.”
Rodgers previously admitted that Liverpool would struggle to attract top players without Champions League football. The Reds are currently seven points short of the top four (where Manchester United occupy fourth place) but Rodgers believes the club are still capable of attracting top talents.
“It would be for the players to decide whether we’re an attractive club,” he added.
“If it’s right for the player and the project is right for them to come and learn and develop then, if we’re not in the Champions League, players will still want to come.”
Rodgers has urged Liverpool owners to back him with cash in the summer transfer window but without Champions League it won’t be easy for the Reds to lure Depay to Anfield instead of Manchester United or elsewhere in Europe. Liverpool could also make a move for Manchester City’s James Milner who is out of contract in the summer transfer window.
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