Liverpool to find winger compromise?

As it stands now, it does not look like there will be any transfer for either Luis Suarez or Charlie Adam.

Earlier today, with a tung-in-cheek comment, Ajax manager Frank de Boer warned the value of the striker is increasing by up to £5million a day and told Liverpool they have until January 29 to force through a deal to sign Luis Suarez. 

Suarez reportedly had a plan to convince Ajax to reduce their £30m asking price, but it seems the player has been offered a loyalty bonus if he snubs Liverpool this month.

But, according to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool has 'slammed the door shut' on negotiations for both Suarez and Adam. Liverpool bid £12.7m and £4.5m for them respectively, but each's current club was asking for more than double those numbers.

However, another report says that Charlie Adam looks almost certain to be at Liverpool before the transfer window closes at midnight on Monday. Anfield looks to be his most likely destination at 4/11 odds with betting company Boylesports.com, the report says.

So, if there's going to be any players coming in at all, who will it be, then?

Right now the hottest tip is Charles N'Zogbia coming in to replace Ryan Babel. The fee was according to Click Lancashire thought to be in the region of £8m, which would be a fare price for all concerned.

But now, according to The People, Wigan have slapped a £15million price tag on the French winger, with Liverpool only willing to pay half that figure but still hopeful of finding a compromise.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish made a personal check on N’Zogbia during Wigan’s draw with Fulham last weekend.

The Anfield club’s move for the Wigan star has been driven by Stretford and his business partner, former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd, the paper reports.

A name that again is back is Lacina Traore. Liverpool are reportedly ready to make their move for him if as the Luis Suarez saga continues to rumble on.

With Liverpool desperate for striking reinforcements in January, they could be forced to set their sights elsewhere in pursuit of more potent attacking options, GiveMeFootball say.

One of their reported targets is FC Cluj frontman Lacina Traore who, according to talkSPORT, could be available to Liverpool for €12 million. And now, Sport.co.uk understands, that Liverpool are indeed monitoring the Ivorian striker.

A new name on the radar: Manchester United will reportedly battle Liverpool over the signature of Lyon's Michael Bastos at the end of the season, Sportingo claims.

With the Red Devils increasingly resigned to losing Patrice Evra in the summer – most likely to Real Madrid – plans are being made for the acquisition of his replacement.

However, they will face competition from arch-rivals Liverpool who are desperate to find a top class player for what has become a problem position for them. Paul Konchesky's career at Anfield appears to be already over after a series of calamitous displays following his summer move from Fulham while Fabio Aurelio is not rated by manager Kenny Dalglish. This has seen the out-of-form Glen Johnson deployed in an unfamiliar role, highlighting a clear need for specialist in that part of the field.

Bastos has impressed for Lyon in the Champions League this season and the Ligue 1 side are reluctant to sell him on the cheap with opening bids likely to be at around the £22m mark.

By the way...What a pity we didn't get Ronaldinho, he can literaly score from anywhere:

Greek defender on the radar + Suarez / Adam update

Update on the Suarez saga. Adam hands in transfer request.  Liverpool considering teenage Greek defender? No bid for Wigan winger? Italian international defender for the summer?

Things start to happen really quickly in Liverpool's 'transfer department'... 

Damien Comolli today flew out to Amsterdam to try finalice a transfer for Luis Suarez from Ajax to Liverpool. Dutch newspaper Het Parool reported that Comolli had left after failing to negotiate a deal – €30m is the reported asking price from Ajax.

Later on De Telegraaf reported that Suarez was looking to speak to his agent Pere Guardiola in an attempt to reignite a move to Liverpool. 

Then The Guardian said that Liverpool are £7M off Ajax’s valuation of £25M, with the Reds only going as high as £18M. 

Sources has later, however said this saga is far from over, with Tony Barret of the Times tweeting 'Lots of conflicting reports on Suarez. Can see this one turning into the transfer saga of the January window' and Rory Smith of the Daily Telegraph saying 'Not sure. Conflicting reports. Definitely glad I hedged my bets a little. Never say anything on telly, that's my advice' on Twitter. 

According to the Liverpool Echo Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam has handed in a transfer request. 

Manager Ian Holloway revealed that three clubs had made unsuccessful bids for the player - Aston Villa, Birmingham and latterly Liverpool.

But Adam is now keen to move on and his agent Kenny Moyes said: 

- I can confirm Charlie has handed in a transfer request. The club has however rejected the request.

Liverpool are reportedly considering a bid for teenage Greek defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos.

The Schalke centre back has been earning rave reviews in Germany after signing from Olympiakos in the summer, and Liverpool have reportedly sent scouts to watch the player's progress.

Reports in Germany claim Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea have also sent representatives to take a closer look at the player, who is set to be sold by the Bundesliga outfit amidst financial troubles at the club, GiveMeFootball claims.

A Greek U17, U19 and U21 international, Papadopoulos is seen as a rising star of Greek football who is tipped to become a full international for his country.

Liverpool will hope to use compatriot Sotirios Kyrgiakos, who impressed at Anfield before injury lost him his place in the first team, in an effort to persuade the player that his future home could be on Merseyside.

Elsewhere, Liverpool's long-time link to Wigan attacker Charles N'Zogbia appeared to be manifesting itself over the weekend, with the club linked to negotiations to bring the French international to Anfield.

Wigan were reported to have wanted £15 million ($24 million) for their star player, with Liverpool supposedly only offering half of that amount.

According to manager Roberto Martinez, however, those negotiations never happened, calling it "a lie".

Thereafter, he called the rumors complements to his players and was dismissive of any moves occurring, reports TeamTalk.com.

- It's a compliment when you've a team chasing you that would love to have you in their squad.

- It's speculation, but it's positive. When you go into a game on the back of a defeat and you read someone wants you, it's a great lift.

Liverpool defender target Davide Santon is being linked with a summer exit from Inter Milan.

The Italian international is thought to be on the radar of a number of Barclays Premier League clubs, with Liverpool chief Kenny Dalglish one of those taking a keen interest in the player, GiveMeFootball report.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs have also been linked with the player, dubbed the ‘next Paolo Maldini’, and the player’s agent confirmed that whilst a move is unlikely this month, it could be a different story in the summer.

- I think it is really difficult for the player to move during the January transfer window particularly with the new coach (Leonardo) joining Inter, Renzo Contratto told Sport.co.uk.

- It is difficult now but in the summer a move is a possibility.

Liverpool negotiating winger deal?

Liverpool negotiating winger deal? Real Madrid striker back on the radar. New bid for Blackpool captain? Middlesbrough teenage sensation is Kenny's surprise target? Former Reds defender back in a few days?

New, unconfirmed Twitter rumours keeps on coming about Luis Suarez, saying things like 'BREAKING NEWS: Luis Suarez has signed a 4 n a half year deal with Liverpool FC. Conference scheduled at 6pm'.

And this one: 'Luis Suarez looks likely to join Liverpool I'm told. He'd make a great partnership with El Niño Torres.

And this NESN-article stating 'Signs Pointing to Luis Suarez-Liverpool Deal Coming Soon'.

Elsewhere, there is no shortage of other rumors ...

Liverpool are negotiating with Wigan Athletic over a possible deal to bring winger Charles N’Zogbia to Anfield, according to a report in The People.

Reds manager Kenny Dalglish is believed to have money to spend in the January transfer window, having trust showed in him by new owner John Henry, and the attacking winger could be the major name to arrive during January. Director of Football, and the man in charge of transfer policy, Damien Comolli, is also thought to be keen on the player.

One potential stumbling block however could be the valuation of N'Zogbia by the two parties, as Wigan are said to want £15m for the former Newcastle Utd player, but Liverpool are only willing to offer half that fee.

The Liverpool FC official site today clams sources cited by the German 4-4-2 Web site, say the Reds are eying a loan move for 23-year-old French international Karim Benzema, with an option for a permanent purchase at the end of the season.

Benzema continues to be on the fringes of the Real Madrid side, despite the long-term injury to front-man Gonzalo Higuain.

His failure to secure a first-team place under Jose Mourinho has even caused conflict between the Real coach and general director Jorge Valdano.

Valdano said after last Sunday's draw with Almeria that he hoped Benzema did not stay on the bench for too long, calling the situation "unfair."

To which Mourinho responded by saying, "I pick the team, and if I need any help then I have my coaching staff."

The People also say Kenny Dalglish will make a new £5million offer for Charlie Adam – with the Blackpool skipper ready to walk to Anfield.

Adam, who scored a late penalty in Blackpool’s 2-1 defeat at home to Sunderland yesterday, has told the club he is determined not to miss out on a dream move to Merseyside.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway said he would allow Adam to move only to a top-four club, but Liverpool were “an exception.”

Dalglish is ready to go back for the 25-year-old Scot after having a £4m bid turned down. But he will get a frosty reception from Holloway.

He said: “These clubs who have made an offer for Charlie had better start putting a ‘1’ in front of the complete rubbish they have been offering so far. If Darren Bent is worth £24m how much is Charlie worth?”

Finaly, The People have one more Anfield transfer story, saying Middlesbrough’s teenage sensation Cameron Park is a surprise target for Kenny Dalglish.

The 18-year-old left winger only made his Championship debut last Saturday when he came on as an 83rd-minute substitute in the 4-0 win over Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

And Liverpool scouts saw Park make an immediate impact when he won a last-minute penalty as he was sent sprawling by keeper David James. Hotline understands that Liverpool have already been in contact with Boro about the England youth international.

Park is the latest exciting young left winger to come off their production line following Chris Brunt, Stewart Downing and Adam Johnson.

They tied Park down to the summer of 2015 when he signed a four-and-a-half-year contract in December. 

Stephen Warnock will complete a return to Liverpool from Aston Villa in the next few days, Kopsource understands. The former Liverpool youth product will join on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal.

We originally reported the news of a possible loan move for Warnock earlier in the month, and despite all speculation falling to a deafening silence, the move looks likely to go ahead.

This may not be the transfer news that the Liverpool fans had been hoping to hear, but it shows that Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli are working on strengthening more than just one position.

With Martin Kelly claiming the right-back position and Glen Johnson currently plying his trade on the left, the aqcuisition of Warnock could signal a new attacking role for Johnson.

Liverpool in talks over defender?

Left back from Marseille? New Gerrard midfield partner and Torres strike partner? Nigerian international striker on the radar. Roma striker is not untouchable... and Russian international for summer transfer?

It has now been confirmed that, as I reported yesterday, the first transfer under Dalglish's helm has been the former Arsenal and Blackburn winger Jason Banton, it has been officially confirmed.

King Kenny has today gone out to cool the talk of transfer targets, claiming he has not discussed potential transfer targets for the current window with the club's owners. 

Despite these claims the transfer rumours keeps coming more than ever...

Liverpool have, according to Sportingo, made contact with Marseille over the availability of Taye Taiwo.

Liverpool are keen to sign a new left back and their attention has switched to the Nigeria international after an assessment of the squad by caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish.

The Scot made the surprising decision to play out-of-form Glen Johnson in that position in the 2-1 defeat to Blackpool highlighting the lack of options in that position. Fabio Aurelio was mysteriously omitted while Paul Konchesky is tipped to follow former manager Roy Hodgson through the exit door after a failing to rise to the level expected at Anfield.

Taiwo has emerged as the Reds number one target after impressing for L’Om over a number of seasons. Quick and powerfully built, the 25-year-old is solid tackler but also provides an added dimension in attack.

His strong running and powerful shot are an asset to the Ligue 1 club for whom he also gets on the scoresheet from direct free-kicks.

Another new name appears on the radar as Liverpool today are linked with Inter's Victor Obinna. According to TalkSport he has caught the eye of Liverpool whilst starring for Premier League strugglers West Ham.

The Nigerian international has been one of the few players to gain credit during West Ham's failure to impress this season and has indicated his desire to stay in London.

The 23-year-old only made a handful of starts at Inter following his move from Chievo and it is understood that the European champions would happily recoup £8 million on the forward.

Obinna may have his head turned by the interest of Liverpool though, especially with the Hammers facing the prospect of relegation.

Liverpool are today being linked with both West Hams Scott Parker and Luis Suarez.

Parker has been in sensational form again for the Hammers this season and has consistently been linked with a move away from Upton Park.

Parker has stated that he has no desire to leave West Ham, but it comes as no surprise that he is wanted by a number of clubs - including Tottenham - and The Guardian now reports Liverpool are interested in his signature.

However, Liverpool are expected to have to spend big to bring the former Chelsea midfielder to Anfield, after Spurs were told that they would have to pay £15 million for his services.

But, according to The Mirror, Kenny Dalglish will ask to be backed in the transfer market during a meeting with owners New England Sports Ventures this week and hopes to bring in a midfielder to partner Anfield hero Steven Gerrard.

The new Liverpool boss is thought to have identified Parker as the man to play alongside Gerrard, but whether the Anfield club will launch a bid remains to be seen.

The acquisition of a new striker to play with Torres is also a priority for Liverpool, and they have been linked with moves for Ajax captain Luis Suarez and Roma hotshot Mirko Vucinic.

And, despite Dalglish said to have drawn up a shortlist of potential candidates, he has stated that he will allow Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli to look after transfer dealings.

When it comes tu Vucinic, according to Goal.com, he is not untouchable, as Roma would sell him to Liverpool if budgetary constraints forced a need for immediate cash flow.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports the Italians have never generated much favour for selling the 27-year-old Montenegrin ace, but firm interest from Liverpool, and a need for cash could change their position.

For now Vucinic is seen as stable in the capital, but with Roma's future unknown and linked to a sale from club creditors Unicredit, player exits may be needed in future.

Two heavily linked players - Aston Villa's Ashley Young and Wigan Athletic's Charles N'Zogbia, are the two names on Kenny Dalglish's shortlist, Sportingo says. 

The list had included Valencia's Juan Mata and Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips but those moves have been scuppered due to the signing of a contract extension and a proposed move to Fulham, respectively, they claim.

Finaly GiveMeFootball reports that Liverpool striker target Pavel Pogrebnyak could make a summer move to the Barclays Premier League.

The Russian international has been linked with a number of clubs in recent months, with former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson thought to be one of the interested parties.

New Reds chief Kenny Dalglish is expected to continue the Anfield outfit's interest in the player, although Liverpool are now unlikely to secure a switch this month.

- He will stay here until the end of the season. In summer we will make a decision, player agent Oleg Artemov told the Daily Mail.

- A number of Premier League sides are interested in him. We've received a lot of offers.

French winger in January?

Roy Hodgson today said he hopes for January transfers.

- I can only hope we get some of the injured players back and I can also hope if there is any possibility of transfers in the January window that will help us and make us a better team that I’ll be given the opportunity to take those players, he said Talksport reports.

A 24 years old Frenchman could become Hodgsons first signing in January....

One of the names mentioned most often this fall on the Liverpool transfer rumour mill is that of  Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia.

According to the Daily Express, Liverpool have held talks over the potential signing of Charles N'Zogbia. The club is ready to table an offer of around £7 million after scouts were dispatched to watch the Wigan winger at close quarters.

It's not the first time Liverpool representatives have been to watch the 24-year-old Frenchman, with three Anfield scouts - including chief talent-spotter Eduardo Macia - allegedly deployed to monitor N'Zogbia during Wigan's Carling Cup victory against Swansea in October.

And, according to Click Lancashire, Roy Hodgson was at the DW Stadium earlier this month and was wowed by N'Zogbia's man-of-the-match performance in the 2-2 draw with Stoke.

N'Zogbia is understood to have been identified as a high-priority target by Liverpool in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements when the transfer window opens next month.

Belgium starlet Eden Hazard has talked up the prospect of a move to Liverpool or Arsenal in the summer after apparently rejecting a move to Chelsea.

Lille winger Hazard, 19, is rated among the most promising talents in Europe and has for some time been talking up the prospect of a move to Real Madrid or Arsenal.

Zinedine Zidane has recommended the player to Madrid, but Hazard has now said he believes his first-team opportunities would be restricted at the Bernabeu and that he would prefer to continue his development at a club like Arsenal.

- I could have gone [to Chelsea] last June, but I was not ready to make that big leap, he said Soccernet reports.

- Recently, the press have been writing about interest from Liverpool, and it is nice to hear your name being mentioned everywhere, especially with the best teams in the world.

- If I do leave at the end of the season, I don't want to go somewhere I will be on the bench, and it will be difficult to break through in a team like Real, where Ronaldo and Kaka will be my competitors. But there are teams like Arsenal, where youngsters can grow more easily into the first team and make their mark.

- I will not leave for another French club because, with 100 matches under my belt for Lille, I don't think I have to prove my qualities for a team in the same league.

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson saw Hazard in action during a recent scouting trip in France.

Sport.co.uk can exclusively reveal that there will not be any transfer for Belgian international Steven Defour.

The Belgian international and Standard Liege midfielder is being followed closely by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, while Liverpool are also monitoring the player's progress.

Speaking exclusively to Sport.co.uk, the player’s chief representative Paul Stefani said the 22-year-old would remain at current club Standard Liege for the remainder of the season to recover from injury.

- He’s injured at the moment. He’s out for three months, he said.

Defour has been relentlessly linked with Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson a known admirer.

Asked if there was any chance that a move could be agreed, Stefani promptly rebuffed the rumours.

- No, no it’s impossible. A January move is impossible.

The player’s representative had previously told Sport.co.uk that as many as seven clubs were interested in Defour.

- Yes, it is true he is being watched. He is being monitored by seven clubs at the moment from England, France, Spain and Italy.

Stefani was then asked if a January move was in the pipe line. He replied:

- We don’t know. It depends on the club and whether or not there is a big move in the January window that could see other people move.

- I have received positive phone calls from clubs in the UK, who have said they can do things, so we will wait and see.

However, another injury set-back means a January move is out of the question.

Winger interest confirmed

There may be as many as four new player signings at Anfield this January.

Liverpool are believed to be keen on bringing in a new right-back, central defender, forward and winger if the right players become available in January. To help add to the attacking options Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia is mentioned as a possible target, Sky Sports reports.

Elsewhere a Swedish left back is entering the transfer radar...

Liverpool are amongst the Premier League teams chasing versatile Swedish international Behrang Safari.

The Basel left back, who can also play as a winger, was influential in the club's Swiss Super League title winning season last term, and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be monitoring the player through his links in Scandinavia.

Safari's agent, Martin Dahlin, has a relationship with the Reds boss from his time as Sweden and Blackburn manager, something that could give the Liverpool manager an edge should he wish to negotiate a deal.

- Behrang Safari, has been doing very well and was recently linked with Liverpool, Fulham and Everton, Dahlin told Sport.co.uk.

- He is a 25 year-old left-back and left-winger who has been playing in the Champions League with Basel and has already got 17 caps for Sweden. I have high hopes for him, the agent concluded.

Additional Barclays Premier League interest will come as no surprise to the Anfield outfit following the player's impressive start to the current campaign, which could lead to an offer of more than the £3 million valuation from Liverpool or any of the suitors.

Reds scout Jakob Friis-Hansen confirmed that the club were watching Safari last month, with the Liverpool boss keen to strengthen his squad from an area which he knows best.

One of the more familiar names on the Liverpool transfer radar is Evertons Steven Pienaar.

Now Liverpool reportedly are leading the chase to sign the Everton contract rebel and are ready to make an offer for the South African international in January.

Roy Hodgson is thought to be ready to offer around £4m for the former Ajax man who is out of contract in the summer, Caughtoffside reports.

The midfielder has refused to sign a new deal with the Toffees and David Moyes has admitted the club will prefer to offload the 28 year old in January rather than lose him for nothing in the summer and Hodgson is thought to be very keen on the adaptable Everton man.

The likes of Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Ajax are all said to be interested in Pienaar but the short move to Anfield is apparently one he is keen on making.

Liverpool is also reported to be in the battle to sign Paris Saint Germain midfielder Stephane Sessegnon.

The battle for the signature of the midfielder has begun with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, West Ham and Everton tracking the talented Benin international, Sport.co.uk confirms.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is, as things stand, the favourite to land the 26-year-old after the player signalled his intention to move to England. 

Also Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has monitored the player and Liverpool’s new director of football strategy, Damian Comolli, is a confirmed admirer. He has also had the player watched on a number of occasions since joining the Reds.

The Hammers and Toffees are also reportedly in the race for Sessegnon having made tentative enquiries.

Sessegnon confirmed last summer his intention to quit the French capital at the end of this season after two years at the turmoil-ridden Parc des Princes.

Speaking to Sport.co.uk, a source close to the player revealed:

- I do not know if he will be staying at the moment. I could not say for sure. He could leave PSG.

- The Premier League is a serious option for him, and he would like to play there. So we will see.

Today Liverpool are being linked with a shock swoop for Barcelona wonderkid Bojan Krkic in the summer.

The 20-year-old striker, who can also play in the wing positions, has failed to earn a regular starting spot at the Nou Camp, leading to speculation that he could leave the club in the summer.

His agent, Zoran Vekic, revealed that the player will not be making a Catalan exit in January, but admitted Bojan would consider his options at the end of the season. Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be one of the interested parties in the player.

- Next summer we will analyse it and we'll see, but at the moment he is happy at Barcelona. He's not having many minutes but every time he has a chance he's playing quite well, Vekic told Sport.co.uk.

The agent also dismissed the possibility of a January loan move, something Liverpool have been linked with in relation to the player in the past.

Spurs, Juventus, Inter Milan and Arsenal are also thought to be keen on the player's services, news that could lead to a major battle for Bojan's signature in the new year.

The Anfield board reportedly want attacking young talent added to the Liverpool squad, and Bojan would certainly fit the bill were he to be available.

A fee in the region of €16 million is thought to be enough to persuade Pep Guardiola to sell the starlet.

Liverpool in Fanni talks?

Roy Hodgson has insisted Liverpool won't buy players in panic in the January transfer window.

He is though keen to add new players to his squad, but not wholesale changes. But there is little doubt there will come some changes, and it seems some changes allready are in the making...

According to RMC in France, Liverpool are chasing Rennes full back Rod Fanni.

The Reds’ Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli is said to have held talks with Rennes president Pierre Dreossi over a possible move for the full back to Anfield.

French Ligue One leaders Marseille have also been said to be interested in the player  but have been put off by Rennes’ asking price for the player.

29 year old right back Fanni, who has also been linked with Everton and West Ham in the past, has played 103 league games since joining from Nice in 2007.

Another deal that seems one of the more likely is that of Niko Kranjcar from Tottenham.

And according to Sportingo Liverpool lead Everton in transfer race for the Croatia internationa.

The Croatia international joined Spurs less than 18 months ago from Portsmouth but has found appearances limited this season thanks to the form of Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Rafael van der Vaart and Aaron Lennon.

Harry Redknapp is allowing him to leave in the New Year out of respect for a player he deeply admires and the two big clubs on Merseyside are both keen to take him on.

Everton were the first to make a move but are only interested in a loan deal at this stage of the season due to a lack of funds. If he is still in London next summer then the Toffees are likely to return with a firm offer.

However, Liverpool want Kranjcar now as they bid to strengthen their playmaking options and are expected to bid around £4m in January to pip their local rivals to the post.

Rumour has it that Liverpool are after Newcastle United centre-back Steven Taylor, together with city neighbour Everton.

The former England under 21 captains contract is due to expire in the summer and he is becoming frustrated with the lack of negotiations to re-new it, FootballTransferTavern reports.

Something which will be further highlighted by the sacking of first team boss Chris Hughton.

The news of Liverpool and Everton’s interest will only work in his favour when he does finally sit down with club officials. Roy Hodgson is said to be a long-term admirer of Taylor and would be more than prepared to part with his £2 million valuation to make him a Liverpool player, as he looks to sturdy up a somewhat questionable back line.

News of Taylors agent Paul Stretford visiting the United training ground to re-open discussions , are likely to move the Mersey clubs interest along and if there is still a stumbling block over the increase of his £40,000 a week salary both will be ready to pounce come January

One new name on the radar is Ipswich striker Connor Wickham.

The 17-year-old has been earmarked as a future England great and is being monitored my a number of Premier League clubs as he continues to make great strides in the second tier of English football.

Now, according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool will attempt to test Ipswich's resolve by offering £10m for the teenager as the Reds' owners look to build a squad for the future at Anfield.

Wickham is understood to be a Liverpool fan - citing Fernando Torres as his hero - so is thought to be keen on a switch to Anfield should the opportunity arise.

A deal for Wickham would represent a significant coup for Liverpool and serve as evidence of New England Sports Ventures fulfilling their promise of bringing exceptional young talent to Anfield.

Another report though says Wickham favours Arsenal or Tottenham.

Another striker on the monitor this monday is Fulham's attacker Clint Dempsey. A report from Caughtoffside says Hodgson is keen to lure him from his old club in January.

The former Craven Cottage boss has earmarked a move for the American and the poor start to the season under new boss Mark Hughes may lead the 27 year old to consider a move away from the west London side, the site claims.

The £10m rated Texan can play in a number of positions in the final third and now in his fifth season in the Premier League he has shown what he is capable of and arguably has outgrown the Cottagers.

A not very likely rumour to go through, if you're asking Murphy...

When it comes to another reported target - Wigan Athletic winger Charles N'Zogbia, Hodgson reportedly has been on a scouting mission.

Hodgson was at the DW on Saturday to make a personal check on the France winger. N'Zogbia emerged from the 2-2 draw as man-of-the-match.

Also on show for Hodgson was Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross, another in Liverpool's sights, TribalFootball reports.

Liverpool to swap defenders?

As the week came to an end with a well fought victory over West Ham, according to Goal.com Glen Johnson tells friends he is leaving Liverpool to join Inter in January.

The England right-back still wants to leave Anfield following public criticism from manager Roy Hodgson, despite both men playing down the dispute, they report.

- Glen thinks he's going to Inter in January and wants to leave Liverpool if he gets the chance, a friend of Johnson's told Goal.com. 

Another defender that could be on his way out of Anfield in January is Fabio Aurelio.

GiveMeFootball reports that Hodgson is lining up a £6 million part exchange offer to lure Emre Belozoglu back to the Premier League.

The former Inter Milan winger according to reports in Germany is available for £7m plus Aurelio.

The Turkey international has experienced the Premier League before during a short spell at Newcastle.

Liverpool have already put together a short list of transfer targets in January after the appointment of Damian Comolli as director of football strategy.

Comolli will work alongside manager Roy Hodgson to identify targets from abroad and the focus has previously been on bringing young, seemingly French, talent to Anfield.

However, the club are also aware of the need to combine that youth with experience or risk having similar naivety to Arsenal, whose manager Arsene Wenger admits concerns over his young squad’s squandering of chances.

And Emre has previous experience of playing in England so would not need much time to settle into Liverpool’s team and he has been playing well for Fenerbache this season. 

But there might be changes in other parts of the squad as well. What about putting Stephen Ireland out of his Aston Villa missery?

The former Manchester City midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park with Houllier at the helm. He does not apppear to be a big fan of the schemer, regularly selecting players such as Nigel Reo-Coker ahead of him Caughtoffside reports.

The Liverpool boss will be given significant funds to strengthen his squad this January, and Ireland looks set to be his first major signing.

Another top priority will be a striker, with names such as Mario Gomez, and Fernando Llorente recently linked with a move to Anfield, they belive.

Roy Hodgson also has been on to France scouting again. This time to see Lille star Gervinho. 

Hodgson took in Lille's win over Monaco at the weekend, but he wouldn't be drawn as to which players he was watching, Goal.com reports.

L’Equipe reports that Hodgson was present at the Stade Lille-Metropole with Laurent Viaud, a French scout for the Reds.

Gervinho’s performance was rather overshadowed by another stunning display from teenage Belgian Eden Hazard, who frequently tore the Monegasque defence to pieces and was directly responsible for both Lille goals.

At the end of the game, when Hodgson was asked if he was following Gervinho, he simply stated that the Ivoirian was not the only good player on the field.

Rumours also keeps on coming about earlier reported target Charles N'Zogbia.

The Wigan winger has stated to the Daily Star that the Latics are only a “stepping stone” in his career:

- They know very well I’m not a player who is going to stay at the club. I give 100 per cent on the pitch, but, if there’s a bigger club that wants me, the manager and the president have always told me the door is open for discussion.

Birmingham had a £9m bid for him accepted in the summer, but could not agree personal terms.

French club Marseille are reportedly interested, and N’Zogbia said an offer from them was “not something you refuse”.

Another reported target for both Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are Xherdan Shaqiri, who reportedly is in talks with Inter Milan.

Italian sources quoted by the German 4-4-2 Web site claim the Treble winners are willing to pay Basel €7 million for the 19-year-old Swiss winger’s services.

Shaqiri has been linked with a host of clubs, including Juventus, Manchester United, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, FC Barcelona and Genoa CFC. Liverpool were reportedly taking note of Shaqiri last season, and in September it was reported that he was keen on a move to Anfield.

Shaqiri was one of the youngest players to go to the World Cup, testament to his potential.  His pace and dribbling ability helped FC Basel to the league and cup double last term as he contributed six goals and five assists in his debut season.

Back in for Crouch?

Todays headlines has been characterized by manager Roy Hodgson saying he wants "five or six" player signings in january.

- We are going to be very interested in improving our squad in January, Hodgson said in the Daily Star.

- I'm prepared to accept that a number of players we're looking to sign do make five or six - but I don't wish to specify positions other than one is obviously a front player, the manager says.

And according to the same paper Hodgson is targeting former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch for the January shopping spree.

- In January we should be really looking to solve one or two situations. We are desperately short of players. Front players. “Having three front players at the club, and that’s if you include Ryan Babel, is nowhere near good enough, is his not surprising statement.

Another familiar name making the headlines today is Wigans Charles N’Zogbia.

According to The People Liverpool will launch a £9m bid for the Wigan winger.

Since turning down a move to Birmingham in the summer N'Zogbia has been in stunning form.

Hodgson and talent-spotter Kenny Dalglish watched French wing wizard N’Zogbia (above) in top form against Bolton last weekend when they went to see him and run the rule over today’s opponents.

The Anfield pair saw enough to send three of their top scouts, including number one Eduardo Macia, to check him out in midweek – only for N’Zogbia to be restricted to a brief appearance as a sub in the Carling Cup, the paper reports.

The next Hyypia?

Liverpools new owners NESV today met with the Liverpool organisation, and John W. Henry warned he will not throw money at the club in a bid to solve their problems.

However, undoubtedly there will be spent some money on new players in january.

Todays hottest prospect in the rumour mill is the Norwegian, towering stopper Brede Hangeland.

Former Liverpool captain Jamie Redknapp believes the club will launch a raid for the Fulham defender in january, Sport.co.uk reports. He is suggesting the Norwegian is the closest thing to Anfield legend Sami Hyypia.

Hodgson’s close relationship with him could aid his endeavours to land Hangeland; if he in january still is the manager of the club. 

- I’m sure Mark Hughes is bracing himself for a bid from former Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, now he has the Red Sox millions behind him at Anfield, Redknap writes in his Daily Mail column.

Another player being linked with a move to Anfield this fine monday is Wigans Charles N'Zogbia.

Birmingham are being tipped to rekindle their interest in the player, but the Frenchman's form so far this season is said to have alerted the Anfield scouts, Metro.co.uk reports.

N'Zogbia was very close to completing a move to Birmingham i august, but the deal never materialized.

Birmingham is reported to be improving on the Wigan winger's £9million price-tag from the summer, but Liverpool will probably have the funds to compete for his signature.

Todays third rumor is about a tall spaniard. Fernando Llorente is said to have been on the Liverpool radar for some time now.

According to the Liver4Liverpool site Chief Scout Eduardo Macia is keeping tabs on the Atletic Bilbao player, keeping Roy Hodgson and the coaching staff informed of the player.

The spaniard currently has a very impressive record at international level with seven goals in twelve games, and is certainly now challenging Torres for a starting place in the Spanish national side.

Last but not least Liverpool is today being linked with the russian international striker Alexander Kerzhakov.

According to The Daily Mail Liverpool scouts watched the 27-year-old striker score for Russia against Ireland last week which followed on from hat-tricks for his club Zenit St Petersburg against Anderlecht in the Europa League and against Saturn Moscow in the Russian league.

Liverpool would be looking at paying around £6million but the player still has three years left on contract.