The manager looks to raid the relegated club for their top talent.
With a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal relegating Wigan Athletic from the Premier League on Tuesday, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is looking to snap up young Latics stars Callum McManaman and James McCarthy, according to the Times.
It is likely that life in the Championship won’t be too appealing for Wigan’s top players and the prospect of a move to Anfield would be very attractive for the two 22-year-olds.
Former Everton trainee McManaman was awarded the Man of the Match award during Saturday’s shock FA Cup final win for his side over high flying Manchester City.
The winger has risen to prominence this year with some eye-catching performances at the DW Stadium and it is highly unlikely Wigan will be able to keep hold of their prized asset.
Although it has been a disappointing few days for the club, for McManaman it has been bitter sweet as he capped off a couple of impressive showings on the pitch with a debut call-up to Stuart Pearce’s Under-21 England squad.
McCarthy meanwhile has played all but one of Wigan’s Premier League matches this season and is another bright, young talent that is expected to leave in the summer.
The Irishman arrived from Scottish club Hamilton for £1.1million in 2009 and has played over 130 times for the Latics since, but would probably set Liverpool back nearer to £6million currently.
It is due to be a period of transition for Wigan as chairman Dave Whelan prepares for life in the Championship, the Europa League via their FA Cup win and also probably being without manager Roberto Martinez and their key players.
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