Several reports have suggested that Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is planning a summer swap deal, which could involve offloading out-of-sorts Riise and Crouch and bringing in Gareth Barry.

Barry and Gerrard have formed a formidable partnership in the middle of the park for England, but Benitez may not see the need to bring in yet another central midfielder, with Gerrard, Lucas, Mascherano and Alonso already all vying for the coveted role.

Barry is a left-footer who can play the sitting role, the ‘hole’ role and even on the left wing. He is reputed for accurate passes and crosses, as well as a deadly shot.