Rush The Kop
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Liverpool Twitter wants Bayern Munich star as Fekir alternative

By David Gate

MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 13: Thomas Mueller, Robert Lewandowski, Jerome Boateng, Robert Lewandowski, James Rodriguez, David Alaba and Manuel Neuer attend the FC Bayern Muenchen Paulaner photo shoot in traditional Bavarian lederhosen on September 13, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images For Paulaner)
MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 13: Thomas Mueller, Robert Lewandowski, Jerome Boateng, Robert Lewandowski, James Rodriguez, David Alaba and Manuel Neuer attend the FC Bayern Muenchen Paulaner photo shoot in traditional Bavarian lederhosen on September 13, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images For Paulaner) /
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Liverpool fans are searching for big name alternatives after the collapse of the Nabil Fekir move. The most popular name is Bayern Munich striker James Rodriguez.

Whatever your take on the collapsed deal for Nabil Fekir, you recognize that Liverpool need to find an alternative. Specifically a player who can cover and rotate for the front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Liverpool fans think they have found the man; Bayern Munich forward James Rodriguez.

The Colombian star is on-loan in Germany from parent club Real Madrid. They have a deal in place to sign him for £37 million if they want to. He is currently one year into the two-year loan. If Liverpool were to sign him he would cost nearer to £70 million.

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While the technical quality of James Rodriguez is in no doubt there would be questions surrounding his ability to hassle and press in Jurgen Klopp’s attacking system.

Liverpool withdrew from the Fekir deal because of worries over the player’s knee after a repair to his ACL in 2015. The player was the number one priority for the Reds this summer and missing out on him has sent the entire transfer window into confusion.

It seems unlikely that Liverpool will simply pivot to another high-profile forward. They scouted Fekir extensively and were pursuing him as much for his leadership and attitude as his ability. Klopp has a record of not panic buying when initial targets are unattainable.

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The club may still make a deal for Stoke City midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri. The Swiss international is available for £13.5 million with a relegation release clause after his club fell from the Premier League this season. He was being considered as a squad player but his arrival would give fans a little boost after the Fekir debacle.