Transfer Speculation: Shawcross

Ryan Shawcross

Liverpool, West Ham and Fulham are all chasing Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross, reports Sky Sports. Assured displays from the talented young centre-half was key to Tony Pulis' side water tite defence. Liverpool are believed to be in the market for a British alternative to Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel. "Hull City's Michael Turner is known to be a target but Rafa Benitez could instead opt for Shawcross given the Tigers' prohibitive valuation of their player," says the story

Transfer Speculation: Honda, Shawcross

Keisuke Honda

The chairman for Dutch side 'VVV Venlo' has revealed several top European clubs have expressed their interest in signing midfielder Keisuke Honda.

Hai Berden said: "Honda, who was Eerste Divisie's Most Valuable Player last year, has started life in the Eredivisie in style with three goals in his first two games," reports Sky Sports.

"A number of top clubs are interested in Honda. Some of them are participating in the Champions League this year," Berden told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.

"Liverpool scouts have been watching Honda this term and the 23-year-old admitted he would not hesitate to move to England if the opportunity arose," reports the story.

"Playing in a league as prestige as the Premiership would be a dream," he said earlier in the year.

"I would seriously consider any offers that come my way."

Ryan Shawcross

Rafa Benitez has reportedly turned his attention to the Stoke City defender, following the £12 million evaluation of Hull central defender Michael Turner, reports the Telegraph. "Benitez is reported to be considering a £5 million bid for the 21 year-old Stoke centre-back," says the story. The Reds manager is also still interested in Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin, which has been speculated upon a number of times throughout the summer.