Liverpool Boss Plans Mass Clearout: Brendan Rodgers to Axe Eight
by Christian Bailey June 4th, 2012

Dirk Kuyt
Having allowed Dirk Kuyt to join Fenerbahce, Rodgers is ready to axe another seven members of his Liverpool playing staff. The 39 year old former Swansea City manager has been told he will be handed a modest transfer budget and that more significant moves in the market will have to be funded by the possible sales of players who can recoup a decent fee.

Maxi Rodriguez
Utility man Maxi Rodriguez is destined to be on his way as Brendan Rodgers looks to adopt a more youthful policy when it comes to first team matters. There is already reported interest in the 31 year both from La Liga and his native Argentina. The former Atletico Madrid man has struggled to force his way into the first team under a succession of managers since his arrival in January 2010.

Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani has spent the last two seasons out on loan to Juventus and AC Milan and Rodgers has little interest in bringing the Italian international back and the 27 year old is thought to be keen on remaining in Serie A. However Liverpool will not reduce their valuation for a player who cost the club £20m just under three years ago.

Joe Cole
Though Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his admiration for Joe Cole the Anfield boss is ready to listen to offers for the England veteran as he looks to remove his sizable wages from the balance sheet. Wages that are not those of a bench warmer. There is reported interest from Lille, where the Londoner spent last term on loan.

Brad Jones and Doni
Keeper Brad Jones and Doni will also be offloaded as Rodgers looks to give back-up duties to impressive young Hungarian custodian Peter Gulacsi, who has impressed during his loan spell at Hull City last term

Another player who may well be fighting for his Liverpool future is local born midfielder Jay Spearing. The 23 year old battler failed to impress when called upon to act as a back-up for injured Brazilian Lucas Leiva. Rodgers will look to bring in another defensive midfielder who he feels will act as a more reliable replacement. To this end the Anfield boss is said to be in talks with representatives for Barcelona bit-part player Seydou Keita.

Henderson and Downing
Whilst the sales of these six would not necessarily bring in a huge amount in potential transfer funds Brendan Rodgers will also think long and hard about the future of two players who are away at Euro 2012 with the England squad.
Kenny Dalglish spent over £35m on Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing but neither player covered themselves in glory last term and their call-ups to the England camp surprised many, not least Rodgers himself.
Jordan Henderson adheres to the youthful direction the Merseyside club is looking to move towards so he may well survive the cull though a lot could depend on whether Rodgers finds a more naturally suited player to take his spot on the right side of the midfield.
However Stewart Downing, fast approaching 28, is apparently a player Rodgers is willing to cash-in on if a suitable offer is made. The problem in this instance may be that given his form, zero assists and zero goals in 36 Premier League appearances, it could prove a tough task to push for a bid even close to the reported £20m paid to Aston Villa for the winger.