Giuseppe Rossi 'lined up as cut-price option for Liverpool'

Crocked: Giuseppe Rossi of Villarreal

The former Manchester United man would be available for a relatively low fee, as he would not be available for selection until March at the earliest as he bids to recover from his second knee ligament injury.

However, according to The People, Rodgers may be prepared to take a punt on the Italian international in the hope that he can help fire the Reds up the table in the crucial final third of the season.

Rodgers currently has Luis Suarez as his only recognised option up front, and admitted that his forward line will be his main priority to strengthen in the New Year.

‘We're looking to do business in the striking department in January,’ Rodgers told TalkSport.

‘The reality is that there was always going to be a bit of movement this season with the club trying to regain some of their money. This season was always going to be difficult.

‘We'll look to do something in the January transfer window, though. There's not going to be wholesale changes in terms of players coming in, that's the reality of where the club is at.

‘We're looking to grow over the next six months, we'll get some reinforcements in January and that will support the group who have been magnificent for me so far.

‘Hopefully in the summer we can build again.’

Rossi has not played a league game for Villarreal in 13 months, but despite his fitness problems, Liverpool will face stiff competition should they decide to move for the 25-year-old, as reports in Italy claim Inter Milan have already agreed a deal with the player.