Transfer talk: Is this the man to fill the mighty midfield boots of Steven Gerrard?

It would be asking a lot of a 21-year-old

It's a vital summer at Liverpool, and moves to strengthen the side are afoot. In addition to finding more firepower, the club also need to find a replacement for departing skipper Steven Gerrard, with Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic a leading contender for the unenviable role. The Croatia international would cost around £15million. (Mirror) The club have been also been checking in on Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez with a view to a £22million deal. (Talksport) The arrivals of Divock Origi and Danny Ings will be expected to at least partially address Liverpool's goal deficit, with Fabio Borini falling even further down the Liverpool pecking order, so news of Lazio's interest in the 24-year-old Italian forward will be music to Brendan Rodgers' ears. We'd be shocked if the Serie A side meet the reported £12million asking price though. (Daily Mail) With Uefa confirming that Manchester City will be free of any FFP transfer spending restrictions this summer, the club look certain to embark on a major overhaul of the squad. Midfielder Yaya Toure is certain to leave, and while City are hopeful he may be used as a makeweight in a deal for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, the club may instead have to settle for the very reasonable £10million offer set to come from Serie A rivals Inter Milan. (Daily Star) With Toure and likely several other high earners off the books, the Sheikhs will spruce up their plaything with bids for West Brom striker Saido Berahino, Liverpool attacker Raheem Sterling and Tottenham defender Danny Rose, a trio of young stars designed to add the required English core to the squad. (Mirror) Wolfsburg's Kevin de Bruyne is also on City's wishlist, but the former Chelsea man looks set to spurn a return to the Premier League in favour of a £35million move to German champions Bayern Munich. (Talksport) Across town, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has finally come to terms with what the rest of us have known for some time - that Robin van Persie's best days are behind him. The Dutch striker will be offered the chance to move on as United listen to offers this summer (Guardian) Meanwhile, United are thought to be falling behind Chelsea in the race to sign Brazilian youngster Kenedy, who no doubt is looking forward to several seasons on loan at various European hotspots. The 19-year-old is the next big thing in Brazilian football and a bid of around £5million should be enough for the Blues to land their man. (Telegraph)