Liverpool FC: Mauricio Isla Linked and David Texeira Close to Signing?

Liverpool are in the news again.

Now, they are being linked with two South Americans from different leagues in Europe. And they are the highly versatile Chilean, Mauricio Isla, and upcoming Uruguayan talent, David Texeira.

Whilst Isla is only 23 years old, he already has 32 caps for his national team and has scored two goals. He can play in numerous positions, including right, centre and left back, as well as winger or centre midfielder. Also, he can play as an inside forward.

After Liverpool lost the fast-improving Lucas Leiva to injury for the season, they have, at times, looked very lacklustre in central midfield. Isla's addition could prove to be a major boost for the club if they are really keen on strengthening that part of their game. His versatility could also come in handy for Liverpool if they agree to rotate some key positions in their game.

Isla is supposed to have impressed Liverpool scouts a lot recently, although the fee touted for any possible transfer has more than one story. Some reports, like this one from GiveMeFootball, say it could be €15 million, whilst others such as SportsMole (mentioned earlier) consider it to be closer to £15 million. Going by Liverpool's lack of any activity in the current transfer window, it could be inferred that if the Reds are interested at all, a fee like €15 million looks more realistic, while any more could be a deterrent. 

Even more pressing is the link to David Texeira. The FC Groningen striker has only joined the Eredivisie in the summer. However, the soon-to-be 21-year-old has been impressive in his 13 appearances for the club, scoring eight times. Texeira hails from Salto in Uruguay, which is also famously linked to Liverpool's live wire, Luis Suarez, and his partner in attack for the national team, the much-reputed Napoli striker, Edison Cavani.

Texeira is well-built and looks to be a promising striker in the making with a great sense of position and finishing. Liverpool have really struggled to bag goals this season and have found the net only 27 times in 22 matches. Much of the credit goes to the defense for their current league position.

At such a stage, buying an inexperienced striker like Texeira for first-team action could be a bit of a gamble. However, if the Uruguayan hits the same type of form as he has in the Netherlands, things could look bright for Liverpool upfront, and the buy could very well be a massive bargain. 

The news about Texeira picked up after former Liverpool goalie and legend Bruce Grobbelar spoke about Liverpool eyeing a South American player plying his trade in the Netherlands, and it is widely rumored that the striker could join Liverpool soon.