Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Inching Close to Signing African Star

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is close to signing Swansea striker Wilfried Bony to fill the gap left by the departure of Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who has signed for the La Liga club Barcelona.

Bony had scored 25 goals for Swansea last season and also scored twice for Ivory Coast twice in the World Cup. The 25-year-old, who signed for the Swans last season for £12 million, has a £20 million release clause in his contract and the Liverpool boss is willing to pay the amount, according to the Express.

Rodgers has already signed Southampton duo - Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana - and Emre Can from Bayern Leverkusen and getting a replacement for the Uruguay international is now a priority for the 41-year-old.

Former Leicester City and Norwich City striker Iwan Roberts insisted that Liverpool have the money to spend after the departure of Suarez and with Bony being top-scorer for his side last season he 'fits the bill' for the Anfield club.

"I'm not surprised Liverpool have shown an interest. It looks like they're losing Luis Suarez and they'll have £70-80 million to spend. Bony fits that bill. He scores goals and can play that lone role," Roberts said.

"He had an outstanding season, but that's the reason why he is on the radar of other clubs," he added. "The price has got to be right. I think if you're the Swansea chairman [Huw Jenkins] you wouldn't entertain anything below £20m after the season he had.

"Every player has got his price, we know that. If Wilfried is going to go then it'll be on Swansea's terms and not the player's, and not the club that's shown an interest."

However, Roberts believes if the Ivory Coast international stays with Swansea it will be a big boost for the club, which is aiming for a successful season, after finishing 12th in the Premier League last time.

"If Swansea are to progress and have another successful season in the Premier League I think they will want to keep hold of Wilfried Bony," Roberts said.

Meanwhile, Rodgers is reportedly planning to spend £135 million this summer and targeting to sign six more players, including Southampton's Jay Rodriguez, Alberto Moreno of Sevilla and Ben Davies of Swansea.