Rumour Mongering: Danny Drinkwater Liverpool Midfield General?

Liverpool might already have Emre Can, Lucas Leiva, Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen, Kevin Stewart, James Milner, and the incoming Marko Grujić in midfield, but change is widely expected to take place this summer. According to the latest rumours, Leicester City's very own Danny Drinkwater could be the change Liverpool need. The Daily Mirror has linked the 26-year-old England international with a £14 million move to Anfield after his impressive displays in helping Claudio Ranieri's team to an unexpected but magical Premier League title.

However, is a new midfielder necessary? Jordan Rossiter has already joined Rangers for a nominal fee, James Milner is best deployed away from the double pivot that Jürgen Klopp prefers in midfield, Joe Allen is likely to leave for regular first-team football, Kevin Stewart -- who turns 23 in September -- will surely be a reserve player at best next season, Lucas Leiva is set to continue as a squad member with others ahead of him in the pecking order, Jordan Henderson hasn't found his best in an injury-hit campaign, Emre Can has only been playing in midfield since Klopp took over in October, and Grujić is a 20-year-old entering his first season in England. A central midfielder will be needed, especially one that can bring more composure and dynamism to the team.

While an addition to Liverpool's midfield options would be most welcome, it's virtually certain not to be Drinkwater. Liverpool suffer from playing too haphazardly in midfield at times, lacking the guile and patience on ball to control games when needed. Sure, Drinkwater can press, run for days, work well in a midfield two, and spray the ball around when needed. He might even be entering a period of his career where he continues to be one of the league's most consistent and reliable midfielders in helping a team function more effectively. For those keeping track, though, there are doubts over the future of Drinkwater's impressive midfielder partner and supercharged interception machine, N'Golo Kanté.

Kanté is believed to have a release clause of circa £20 million in his contract and could be tempted to move. If the France international midfielder leaves, Drinkwater will be needed more than ever by the Premier League champions. Even if Kanté does the sensible thing and signs an improved contract to stay, Drinkwater isn't going anywhere. Champions League football, a settled place in the team, Claudio Ranieri, and defending that Premier League title are more than enough reasons to stick around. Drinkwater and Kanté keep Leicester's midfield hydrated and competitive, and for neutrals, it would be interesting to see how they both fare next season.

Klopp is believed to have been impressed with the former Manchester United player, but which manager in the Premier League wouldn't have been impressed by Drinkwater's displays in a title-winning campaign? Yes, statistics back up what the eyes have witnessed this season, but let's chalk this rumour as one for delirious daydreamers.