Liverpool's shopping list gets even longer

There are some rumours too bizarre to expand on, such as the Daily Mirror claim that Barcelona will consider selling their heartbeat Xavi to Manchester City on the basis that it will open up a spot for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, but others get the balance between implausibility and intrigue just right.

Two such stories have hit the headlines this Thursday involving Liverpool, in which they are linked with players that we can't quite picture Kenny Dalglish adding to his squad this summer, yet are still worthy of exposure because the speculation is relatively fresh and vaguely thought provoking.

The first comes courtesy of talkSPORT, who report that the Reds are tracking Reading striker Shane Long after a prolific season in the Championship saw him crowned their player of the year. It is suggested that they will look to bring him to Anfield for £5 million if the Royals fall short in the play-offs.

It's an addition that is unlikely to set pulses racing on Merseyside, however neighbours Everton have shown over the years that it's possible for players purchased from the lower leagues to establish themselves as major stars, with Joleon Lescott and Tim Cahill two of the most obvious examples.

More bewildering is the Daily Mail's piece of gossip that Liverpool are attempting to bring back 39-year-old Brad Friedel at the end of the campaign once his contract at Aston Villa expires, as Dalglish supposedly wants an experienced reserve for Spanish shot-stopper Pepe Reina.

Ignoring the fact that he appears to be on the decline, it's difficult to see the American goalkeeper deciding to spend the twilight of his career on the bench at a club that failed to deliver him first-team football in the past, especially after a decade as a regular at first Blackburn then Aston Villa.

Where will Liverpool finish though? They are [1.32] to outdo Tottenham...

Published: 12 May 2011

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