Liverpool are considering making an approach for Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand after failing to land the 24-year-old in the summer.
According to several media reports, including the Daily Star, Brendan Rodgers has been an admirer of Bertrand’s since they worked together during the Liverpool boss’ time at Stamford Bridge as a reserves manager.
The Reds have lost their starting left-back Jose Enrique to a long term injury and as Rodgers has reservations over Aly Cissokho and see Jon Flanagan as no more than a quick-fix he’s keen to shore up his depth in that position.
Bertrand has found it difficult to catch a break at Chelsea and has seen Cesar Azpilicueta, normally a right-back, preferred to him when Ashley Cole has not been in the team so may start thinking about jumping ship if he think he’ll get more first team opportunities.
It’s believed that the Blues value Bertrand at around £8 million and that Liverpool are not the only club interested as both Cardiff City and Sunderland are eyeing the defender as an option.
I wouldn’t blame Bertrand for wanting to move on as he probably should have been given more opportunities than he’s had to date, especially as he did little wrong in the appearances he has made, but Victor Moses thought he was going to get more playing time by moving to Liverpool and it hasn’t worked out well for him so far.
It would appear that Jose Mourinho prefers a little more experience when it comes to his fullbacks but even though Azpilicueta has done well there I’d prefer to see the Spaniard in his own position more often and Bertrand given more time on the pitch. The Englishman has linked up well with Eden Hazard when used, particularly against Cardiff, and at this stage of his career he needs the chances to prove himself. Cole hasn’t played well enough to keep him out of the team as much as he has so I’d be disappointed if this lead’s to Bertrand’s exit.
