Liverpool fans here in the Transfer Tavern are looking forward to potentially welcoming back one of their fan favourites to the club.

Rumours have emerged that former Liverpool midfield enforcer Javier Mascherano has been linked with a move back to the club seven years after he left for Barcelona. With the Argentine’s contract due to expire in 2019, our locals are hopeful that he may seek a move as soon as next summer. The 33-year-old – now a centre defender for the Catalan giants – could surely be a missing leadership link the Reds have been missing this season and maybe an early move would benefit all-round.

Our punters have been discussing players who return to their former team with the likes of Paul Pogba, Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba in recent seasons having a successful time back at their old stomping ground. With that in mind, our landlord takes a look back at some of the hits and misses at Anfield making their return…

Robbie Fowler – MISS

Robbie Fowler has a God-like status amongst the Anfield faithful after making an instant impact to his Liverpool career, scoring over 30 goals in three of his four seasons with the club. He left to go Leeds United for £12m after falling out with former boss Gerard Houllier.

However, on his return to the club in 2006, he didn’t have the same impact as his first stint, showing his age during his second coming.

Though one of the most popular players Anfield has ever seen, the forward struggled in his second stint.

Ian Rush – HIT

In 1987, Ian Rush set off for an Italian adventure to join Juventus after clocking up four league titles and two European cups with Liverpool. However, after nine short months, he returned to Anfield and went on to win more trophies including another league title, a couple of FA cups and a League Cup, all while becoming Liverpool’s record goalscorer in the meantime.

The club’s record goalscorer, his return really was special.