The Liverpool and Chelsea supporting punters have witnessed their teams have some epic battles on the pitch over the years here in the Transfer Tavern.
When Liverpool won the Champions League in 2005 they encountered a remarkable semi-final with Chelsea on their way to lifting the trophy, and the rivalry has intensified ever since.
This season has seen both clubs disappoint on the pitch and both Chelsea and Liverpool have seen managers depart too, meaning both will enter a period of transition from the next pre-season.
Talk in the Tavern among the Liverpool and Chelsea supporters has turned to who their respective teams might recruit next season, and our writer Lee Clarke decided to take a look at FIVE Reds players who Chelsea should look to sign in preparation for the 2016/17 campaign……
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
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Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian playmaker has struggled with injury problems this season but on his day he is regarded as one of the Premier League’s brightest youngsters.
The 23-year-old can score from all over the park, play defence splitting passes and dazzle defenders with his quick feet.
On his day he is arguably too good for Liverpool and should be playing for a team who are regularly entering the Champions League and challenging for titles.
Okay, so Chelsea won’t challenge for the title this season but Coutinho might see a move to the Blues during the next campaign as a chance to actually win a Premier League winners medal.
Nathaniel Clyne
The right-back signed for Liverpool in the summer and has been one of the Reds’ better performers this season.
With John Terry leaving at the end of the season, Chelsea might look to place Branislav Ivanovic back at the heart of defence which would leave a void to fill on the right.
Clyne is still only 24-years-old and Chelsea could secure the ex-Southampton man ahead of his best years and with Liverpool rating fellow right-back Brad Smith highly, the move could suit all parties.
The England defender wouldn’t come cheap but it is likely that he would relish a move to Stamford Bridge.
Jerome Sinclair
The Liverpool striker is set to leave Anfield in the summer when his current contract comes to an end, with the player thought to be frustrated at his lack of game time at the club.
Chelsea could do a lot worse than take a chance on the 19-year-old who could have a lot to offer if given a run of games in a side somewhere.
Sinclair boasts pace to burn, an eye for goal and a clinical finish in and around the penalty area.
The Blues will probably go for someone who is a little bit more proven but Sinclair would make a decent squad player nonetheless.
Emre Can
Every club needs a player like Emre Can.
The 22-year-old German has proved over the last two seasons that he is more than comfortable playing in a number of positions and most clubs relish a bit of versatility.
Can has been in fine form during this season when playing in a more natural central midfield position but is more than happy to fill in at the back too.
The Blues don’t have too many players who offer such versatility and with the club playing in four competitions, the ex-Bayern man could be an astute addition to their squad.
Jordan Henderson
The ex-Sunderland midfielder has reportedly caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain of late, and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could entertain the idea of offloading the player in the summer.
Although Chelsea are blessed with some good midfielders, they too are likely to clear out some of the deadwood in the summer to make room for the new boss’ recruitment drive.
Henderson is a reasonably solid performer in the Premier League and he could slot into Chelsea’s style of play with relative ease.
At 25-years-old Henderson still has his best years ahead of him and would offer a calming presence in the Chelsea midfield.
