Last season, Yilmaz netted 33 goals for Trabzonspor, making his total 55 in 74 appearances for the Turkish side. Premier League clubs Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham were all interested in acquiring the Turk’s goal-scoring abilities over the summer.
Yilmaz decided to remain in the Turkish League however, joining champions Galatasaray for €5 million, where he has now scored five in six so far this campaign. It now appears Rodgers will attempt to bring the striker to Anfield.
The Liverpool boss could certainly do with more options up front. With Andy Carroll off-loaded to West Ham, and the Reds pulling out of a deal for American forward Clint Dempsey, Rodgers has been left with Luis Suarez and 21-year-old Fabio Borini as his only options to spearhead the Liverpool attack.
Suarez has been amongst the goals this season, scoring seven in all competitions for the Merseysiders. Borini however, has only scored one in ten appearances since his £10.5 million move from Roma in the summer. The Turkish goal poacher would certainly fit the bill at Liverpool, who have netted just nine times in the Premier League this season, and find themselves in 14th place.
However, it is unclear whether Rodgers will be able to afford to bring the 27-year-old to Anfield. It is believed Galatasaray will want a considerable mark-up on their new striker and value him at no less than £13 million.
Considering Kenny Dalglish’s over-spending last season and the £28million spent by Liverpool this summer, it is unknown whether American owners John Henry and Tom Werner will make funds available to the Liverpool manager.
