Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers gives instructions to his players during their English Premier League soccer match against Leicester City at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England January 1, 2015.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers gives instructions to his players during their English Premier League soccer match against Leicester City at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England January 1, 2015. REUTERS/Phil Noble

Liverpool plans a double swoop for Bundesliga midfielder duo Lars Stindl and Leonardo Bittencourt, as reported in the Daily Star. According to the report, as the Northern Irishman plans for the departure of its legendary captain, Steven Gerrard at the end of the season the Reds have an eye for the midfielders.

Since the 34-year-old captain is set to join LA Galaxy when his contract with Anfield expires at the end of the season, Liverpool has been linked with a bunch of players. Furthermore, Brendan Rodgers faces to rebuild his midfield as Brazilian Lucas Leiva is believed to leave Liverpool in the summer and Raheem Sterling is also on its way to Real Madrid.

Lars Stindl has been a regular for Hannover but he will be out of contract in less than 18 months and a release clause worth £ 2.2 million becomes active in the summer. On the other hand, Leonardo Bittencourt, who joined Hannover from Borussia Dortmund in 2013 on a four year-deal, will be available for £ 6 million signing fee. Furthermore, according to The Express, Liverpool could also be weighing up a bid for Ruben Neves for £ 29 million.

Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers recently declared Diego Costas as an outstanding player despite the controversy on Tuesday’s Capital One Cup semifinal. Football Association recently charged Costa with violent conduct after an alleged stamp on Emre Can during the second leg at Stamform Bridge. The Liverpool boss called Costa’s behaviour “poor” during a press conference but on Thursday, Rodgers acknowledged the Spain international’s quality. "I don't want to talk too much about Diego Costa, we were interested in him because he's an outstanding player," Rodgers said. "You find all the best players have that edge. You look at behaviour and hope he doesn't overstep the mark.” Rodgers further claimed that Diego Costa is a wonderful player.

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