Seeing as we're being linked with a bunch of them...
Henry V lead England to a famous victory over the French at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 - and now it seems that Liverpool are looking to renew Anglo-French tensions by raiding their counterparts on the other side of the Channel for no fewer than seven players this January.
But who are these wine-swilling, frog eating connoisseurs of all things continental? Can they cut the (dijon) mustard? Or are they all onion and garlic? Would they be best served staying where they are, or with a side order of Foie Gras?
MirrorFootball's Chris Bloor has the answers.
1) Eden Hazard (Lille)
The Belgian international may only be 19 years of age, but he's already been part of their first team set-up for three years. With over 80 league appearances under his belt, and 11 goals to boot, Hazard's a proven talent. His success at club level was rewarded with an international call-up in November 2008 - when Eden was still only 17 years old. He was also named in last season's Ligue 1 team of the year, alongside the likes of Marouane Chamakh and Yoann Gourcuff.
Primarily used as a winger, Hazard's playing style has drawn comparisons with Barcelona's Lionel Messi. And while he could provide that creative spark that Liverpool's performances have largely been devoid of so far, his tender age might be of concern.
Sacre Rouge rating: 7/10
2) Gervinho (Lille)
Born in the Cote D'Ivoire, Gervinho spent two years in Belgium with Beveren before moving to Le Mans in 2007. An approach from Arsenal was reportedly knocked back in 2008 but the striker joined Lille a year later, for whom he's netted 17 times in only 40 appearances.
The long-haired African caught many people's attention in this summer's World Cup where he was named man of the match against Portugal. And Gervinho's indubitable quality in front of goal could see him become the perfect partner for an often isolated Fernando Torres, and at 23-years-old he could be the investment that Liverpool's new owners are looking for.
Sacre Rouge rating: 8/10
3) Adil Rami (Lille)
Since being snatched from France's fourth division in 2007, this 6'3" French defender of Moroccan descent has gone on to make over a hundred appearances for Lille and has even broken into the national squad, starting in Les Bleus' previous five games - including their 2-1 victory over England.
Despite his humble beginnings, Rami is evolving into a world class performer. And following the recent long-term injury to Jamie Carragher, he might provide the defensive solidity that Anfield is craving. That said, it's unlikely Lille will allow three of their star players to depart next January, so something somewhere has to give.
Sacre Rouge rating: 5/10
4) Sylvain Marveaux (Rennes)
Question marks remain over whether this slender-framed, 24-year-old attacking midfielder will cope with the physicality of the Premier League. However, Marveaux's form last season has seen many of Europe's biggest clubs stand up and pay attention. In 38 games he netted 12 times and provided five assists.
The Rennes ace still hasn't broken into the French national squad, though, and what with the recent form of Ryan Babel and Joe Cole currently returning to fitness, it's hard to see what he'd realistically bring to Liverpool's table.
Sacre Rouge rating: 2/10
5) Yann M'Vila (Rennes)
Another of France's rising stars, this 20 year-old defensive midfielder captained the France U-19 side and has made five appearances for the seniors. M'Vila has also made waves domestically, notching up over 40 appearances since making his first-team debut for Rennes in 2009.
Liverpool have struggled to fill the vacuum left by Javier Mascherano, and M'Vila's physical and technical ability would give their more attack minded players licence to play the expansive football that fans crave. Providing Liverpool are of the opinion that if you're good enough, you're old enough, then M'Vilia could be a goer.
Sacre Rouge rating: 9/10
6) Rod Fanni (Rennes)
A move for Fanni is entirely dependent on the relationship between Roy Hodgson and Glen Johnson. Having only recently spent a whopping £17.5 million on a right-back, it seems unthinkable that Liverpool swould pend more on the same position when there are so many holes elsewhere. However, if the England defender's position is untenable, as some have suggested, then Liverpool will certainly be in the market for a replacement.
Experience is key, as whoever arrives will need to slot right in. The 29 year-old Fanni, has already played at the highest level both in Europe and internationally, and would therefore tick all the boxes. And he'd almost be worth signing for the comedy chant potential alone.
Sacre Rouge rating: 7/10
7) Dimitri Payet (Nantes)
Another attack-minded midfielder, the 23-year old Payet has recently replaced Florent Malouda in the friendly victory against England at Wembley. He's already played over 130 games in Ligue 1, and scored close to 20 goals in the process. A midfielder producing this sort of return could free Gerrard from his scoring burden and allow him to dominate the middle of the park instead. Payet has European experience and started this campaign with a superb hat-trick against Lens. If Liveprool can strike a deal then Payet could be the one to mak
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/football-spy/Liverpool-transfer-special-Eden-Hazard-Gervinho-Adil-Rami-Sylvain-Marveaux-Yann-M-Vila-Rod-Fanni-Dimitri-Payet-Which-of-the-seven-linked-Ligue-1-stars-will-Roy-Hodgson-sign-in-January-article645565.html#ixzz17VWm6FmU
Henry V lead England to a famous victory over the French at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 - and now it seems that Liverpool are looking to renew Anglo-French tensions by raiding their counterparts on the other side of the Channel for no fewer than seven players this January.
But who are these wine-swilling, frog eating connoisseurs of all things continental? Can they cut the (dijon) mustard? Or are they all onion and garlic? Would they be best served staying where they are, or with a side order of Foie Gras?
MirrorFootball's Chris Bloor has the answers.
1) Eden Hazard (Lille)
The Belgian international may only be 19 years of age, but he's already been part of their first team set-up for three years. With over 80 league appearances under his belt, and 11 goals to boot, Hazard's a proven talent. His success at club level was rewarded with an international call-up in November 2008 - when Eden was still only 17 years old. He was also named in last season's Ligue 1 team of the year, alongside the likes of Marouane Chamakh and Yoann Gourcuff.
Primarily used as a winger, Hazard's playing style has drawn comparisons with Barcelona's Lionel Messi. And while he could provide that creative spark that Liverpool's performances have largely been devoid of so far, his tender age might be of concern.
Sacre Rouge rating: 7/10
2) Gervinho (Lille)
Born in the Cote D'Ivoire, Gervinho spent two years in Belgium with Beveren before moving to Le Mans in 2007. An approach from Arsenal was reportedly knocked back in 2008 but the striker joined Lille a year later, for whom he's netted 17 times in only 40 appearances.
The long-haired African caught many people's attention in this summer's World Cup where he was named man of the match against Portugal. And Gervinho's indubitable quality in front of goal could see him become the perfect partner for an often isolated Fernando Torres, and at 23-years-old he could be the investment that Liverpool's new owners are looking for.
Sacre Rouge rating: 8/10
3) Adil Rami (Lille)
Since being snatched from France's fourth division in 2007, this 6'3" French defender of Moroccan descent has gone on to make over a hundred appearances for Lille and has even broken into the national squad, starting in Les Bleus' previous five games - including their 2-1 victory over England.
Despite his humble beginnings, Rami is evolving into a world class performer. And following the recent long-term injury to Jamie Carragher, he might provide the defensive solidity that Anfield is craving. That said, it's unlikely Lille will allow three of their star players to depart next January, so something somewhere has to give.
Sacre Rouge rating: 5/10
4) Sylvain Marveaux (Rennes)
Question marks remain over whether this slender-framed, 24-year-old attacking midfielder will cope with the physicality of the Premier League. However, Marveaux's form last season has seen many of Europe's biggest clubs stand up and pay attention. In 38 games he netted 12 times and provided five assists.
The Rennes ace still hasn't broken into the French national squad, though, and what with the recent form of Ryan Babel and Joe Cole currently returning to fitness, it's hard to see what he'd realistically bring to Liverpool's table.
Sacre Rouge rating: 2/10
5) Yann M'Vila (Rennes)
Another of France's rising stars, this 20 year-old defensive midfielder captained the France U-19 side and has made five appearances for the seniors. M'Vila has also made waves domestically, notching up over 40 appearances since making his first-team debut for Rennes in 2009.
Liverpool have struggled to fill the vacuum left by Javier Mascherano, and M'Vila's physical and technical ability would give their more attack minded players licence to play the expansive football that fans crave. Providing Liverpool are of the opinion that if you're good enough, you're old enough, then M'Vilia could be a goer.
Sacre Rouge rating: 9/10
6) Rod Fanni (Rennes)
A move for Fanni is entirely dependent on the relationship between Roy Hodgson and Glen Johnson. Having only recently spent a whopping £17.5 million on a right-back, it seems unthinkable that Liverpool swould pend more on the same position when there are so many holes elsewhere. However, if the England defender's position is untenable, as some have suggested, then Liverpool will certainly be in the market for a replacement.
Experience is key, as whoever arrives will need to slot right in. The 29 year-old Fanni, has already played at the highest level both in Europe and internationally, and would therefore tick all the boxes. And he'd almost be worth signing for the comedy chant potential alone.
Sacre Rouge rating: 7/10
7) Dimitri Payet (Nantes)
Another attack-minded midfielder, the 23-year old Payet has recently replaced Florent Malouda in the friendly victory against England at Wembley. He's already played over 130 games in Ligue 1, and scored close to 20 goals in the process. A midfielder producing this sort of return could free Gerrard from his scoring burden and allow him to dominate the middle of the park instead. Payet has European experience and started this campaign with a superb hat-trick against Lens. If Liveprool can strike a deal then Payet could be the one to mak
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/football-spy/Liverpool-transfer-special-Eden-Hazard-Gervinho-Adil-Rami-Sylvain-Marveaux-Yann-M-Vila-Rod-Fanni-Dimitri-Payet-Which-of-the-seven-linked-Ligue-1-stars-will-Roy-Hodgson-sign-in-January-article645565.html#ixzz17VWm6FmU
