This summer is set to be a big one for Liverpool. Champions League qualification appears to be off the menu – despite Manchester United’s three-game losing streak – which has made slips against Hull and West Brom – five points dropped – bitter for the Reds, who could be in fourth with three games to go.

Regardless of their fate, Brendan Rodgers’ side need additions, with adding goals up front and solidity at the back key. However, replacing Steven Gerrard is another massive issue, with the veteran skipper heading off into semi-retirement with MLS champions LA Galaxy. Names have been mooted on an almost weekly basis, and the latest candidate appears to be Paris Saint-Germain’s Yohan Cabaye. The former Newcastle man is a long-term Arsenal target and we at FFC Towers think that the Merseysiders cannot risk losing him to the Gunners… Here are FIVE reasons why.

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Can act as the base in midfield

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With Steven Gerrard leaving Liverpool are set to undergo a midfield re-shuffle. The 34-year-old, although captain, has been problematic for Rodgers in recent months, with fitting him into a set-up that harnesses his strengths and doesn’t expose his weaknesses an issue. Gerrard now lacks pace, and the 4-4-2 diamond leaves him unprotected at the base, while a 4-3-3 means that his midfield partners have to do his running for him, often leaving the three ‘up top’ a little isolated.

But dropping Cabaye in could be idea, with the Frenchman a balance between energy and creativity. Although not a traditional ‘holder’ the ex-Newcastle man can act as a playmaker from deep, which is what Liverpool need – especially when in well over 50% of their games opposition sides set up to nullify rather than threaten. Cabaye would free up Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho to act as the attack-minded central players, while he could also operate alongside Emre Can in a more reserved formation.

Premier League experience

Suitability to the English game is becoming more and more vital for the big sides, who cannot afford to drop points early on in the season. Although it’s a little cliché to suggest European football is more lethargic, it’s fair to say that the Premier League is one of the more physically demanding leagues around, with players needing to earn the right to play through creating space and holding off challenges.

Cabaye shone for Newcastle before heading off to PSG in 2014, so the transition should be a smooth one. Liverpool were slow starters this term, and just look at what a difference a few extra points would have made now.

£10m is a bargain

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With Champions League qualification a big factor in terms of transfer budgets and Liverpool still recovering from the £100m+ spend last summer, it’s likely that Brendan Rodgers will have to do some bargain hunting. James Milner, Danny Ings, and Yevhen Konoplyanka on ‘free transfers’ are options, and adding Cabaye for a figure of around the reported £10m would leave the club covered both in terms of depth and quality, while able to add a genuine big money star.

Can contribute to the ‘Rodgers style’

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Rodgers’ ‘philosophy’ is all about slick passing and clever movement. The Northern Irishman is not a direct coach, but he likes the ball to be moved forward quickly and accurately, which Cabaye is capable of doing. Although not an explosive player, the Frenchman comes equipped with great vision, which he uses to feed the ball to the final third with precision. At times Liverpool have lacked that this season.

Wants to leave PSG

“It is a distinct moment in my career. I have never been through this before,

“One has to accept it but also try to change it. It is super important for me, I want to play at Euro 2016.

“I need to speak to the [France] boss [Deschamps] and my representatives to see what is best for me.”

Often half the transfer battle is finding a player willing to move and convincing him that a deal is good for his career. Cabaye, his words above, appears likely to be prepared to leave PSG, while returning to England, where he enjoyed some of the best moments of his career, may also appeal.