With the summer transfer window upon us, we have seen a number of players linked to both Manchester United and Liverpool as they look to strengthen their respective squads ahead of the new campaign.
SEE ALSO:
Liverpool Transfer News
Manchester United Transfer News
Liverpool Clyne: Reds clear to sign Man United transfer target as Saints agree deal for replacement
The two fierce rivals seem to be in the market for many of the same players, and in this feature we take a look at five targets that the North-West duo should be battling to sign this summer.
Roberto Firmino – Hoffenheim
The 23-year-old Brazilian international has been linked with both clubs during the summer transfer window [via Daily Star Sport] and would be a welcome addition to either one.
After enjoying a impressive season in Germany with Hoffenheim, his agent has already claimed a move to England is on the cards [via Manchester Evening News] and it looks to be a straight fight between United and Liverpool.
Verdict: Man United
Christian Benteke – Aston Villa
United and Liverpool both struggled in front of goal throughout last season and it’s the main reason why only one was able to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
With Radamel Falcao’s loan deal expiring and question marks over Robin van Persie’s future, it’s clear that the Red Devils need a new striker.
Meanwhile the Anfield outfit struggled to replace the goal-scoring exploits of Luis Suarez, with the attacking trio of Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli failing to score five league goals between them, it proved to be the major reason in them finishing sixth.
Benteke was on fire in the second half of the season as his goals effectively saved Aston Villa from relegation and looks ready as ever to make the step-up to play for a bigger club.
Verdict: Liverpool
Nathaniel Clyne – Southampton
The Merseyside outfit look to be in the driving seat in completing a deal for the England right-back if reports in Express Sport are true, however, United should be fighting tooth and nail for this signature.
With Rafael’s future at Old Trafford unclear and Antonio Valencia’s stint in that position proving to be unconvincing, a move for Clyne would make sense as he would slot in effortlessly on that right-hand side.
The Southampton star performed excellently last season and has all the tools to go on and become a world-class right-back in the future.
Verdict: Liverpool
Nicolas Gaitan – Benfica
Another attacking midfielder that has constantly been mentioned with both clubs in the gossip columns over the past few weeks [via Mirror Sport].
The 27-year-old Argentine would bring creativity and a wealth of experience to either side, which at times was missing for both last season.
He is also a proven winner after helping Benfica win back-t0-back titles in the last two seasons.
Verdict: Man United
Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
Should Real Madrid’s reported move for Manchester City star Sergio Aguero [via Daily Star Sport] prove successful then Benzema could become available and would surely interest both Louis van Gaal and Brendan Rodgers.
Benzema is the type of striker who ticks all the boxes as he’s devastating in front of goal and can also bring others into play.
He has been linked with both [via Express Sport], although it would seem United would have any advantage due to them being in the Champions League next season.
Verdict: Man United