With Liverpool vice-captain Jordan Henderson approaching the final year of his contract at Anfield, he is yet to put pen to paper on an extension, sparking speculation that he could leave Merseyside this summer.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of England forward Raheem Sterling is already problematic for last season’s Premier League runners-up, and the prospect of losing rejuvenated midfield-man Henderson is another issue for boss Brendan Rodgers and the hierarchy to mull over.
Here are five possible replacements for the ex-Sunderland man if he does depart…
5) William Carvalho
The Sporting Lisbon and Portugal holding midfielder is one of the hottest properties in European football, with Premier League scouts monitoring his progress for several seasons. At 22 years of age he fits the Liverpool criteria of moulding a team of young, hungry players.
He is also versatile – another buzzword for Rodgers. Carvalho, just like Liverpool’s Emre Can, is capable of filling in at the heart of the defence if called upon.