Liverpool Transfers: 6 Strikers for Brendan Rodgers to Consider in January

While transfer speculation can often prove fruitless in this sport, one can bet that Brendan Rodgers will look to sign a striker in the January transfer window after failing to bring a replacement for Andy Carroll over the summer.

Following what was, in the end, a slow transfer window at Anfield, it seems that the Liverpool owners may be working their way toward a more conservative transfer policy.

New England Sports Ventures had gained a reputation as excessive spenders since their 2010 takeover, but it seems the transfer method of the club may be in for a change.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at just who the Reds can hope to sign in the winter transfer window.

Bear in mind, this isn’t a list of the world’s top forwards, but a realistic array of targets that the Merseysiders could actually hope to sign midseason.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Currently in the last year of his contract with Schalke 04, Liverpool will be hoping that the German outfit see an early exit from the Champions League so that the club are more tempted into selling Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

The Dutch international has picked up this season where he left off in the last campaign and remains one of Europe’s most prolific talents.

Huntelaar finished last season with 48 goals in 48 games and contributed 16 assists to boot.

When playing with Raúl, Huntelaar flourished as part of a front-pair partnership, and could hope to establish a similar relationship with the likes of Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini.

Adrián Lopez

It recently emerged that Adrián Lopez was struggling to agree a contract extension with Atletico Madrid, leading to an apparent soaring in interest regarding his signature.

According to the Daily Mail, it’s Arsenal and Tottenham that are leading the race for the Spaniard's signature, but Liverpool could be smart to throw their name into the mix.

What’s more, Lopez currently has a release clause in his contract stipulating that the forward may leave for a fee of just £14.5 million, which is undoubtedly within Liverpool’s reach (via Metro).

Unless the 24-year-old agrees a deal on a new contract, he may see his effective partnership with Radamel Falcao coming to an end in the New Year.

Daniel Sturridge

Another entrant whose contract is set to expire next summer, Chelsea may consider cashing in on Daniel Sturridge this January considering the wealth of wide talent the club holds.

The Blues signed the likes of Eden Hazard, Victor Moses, Marko Marin and Oscar over the summer, all of whom are capable of performing on the wing, making for heavy competition as far as Sturridge is concerned.

The Englishman has made no secret of his desire to play more centrally, just as he has in his days at Manchester City and Bolton, and Liverpool could offer him that role.

Sturridge was being linked with a move to Anfield, either on loan or permanently, over the summer, and rather than lose that attacker on a free transfer, Chelsea may choose to get a fee while they still can

Kevin Gameiro

Finding it hard to tie down a starting spot at the Parc des Princes, Kevin Gameiro would be a logical target for Liverpool as they seek to unearth a striking asset while keeping expenditure down.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic and others occupying the attacking positions, Gameiro has been largely limited to substitute appearances and may jump at the chance of a place in Liverpool’s starting XI.

Sky Sports have reported PSG sporting director, Leonardo, as admitting the Frenchman may soon be on the move, opening up the chance for a cut-price deal.

Gameiro proved his scoring talent at Lorient before moving to Paris in 2011, but he could be prolific once again if handed the opportunity.

Fernando Llorente

After admitting that he would not be putting pen to paper over a contract extension with Athletic Bilbao, it seems likely that Athletic Bilbao may choose to sell Fernando Llorente rather than allow him to leave for free next summer (via Sky Sports).

Anfield wouldn’t be a particular step down for the Basque striker but perhaps more of a sideways move to fellow Europa League contenders.

With a more capable, tall asset playing alongside him, Luis Suarez could be allowed to express himself as he did in his Ajax days, while Llorente would also bring a needed aerial presence.

Theo Walcott

Like Sturridge, Theo Walcott is a winger who dreams of plying his trade in a more centralised role, and Liverpool could be just the club to satiate those kinds of desires.

Out of the list’s candidates, Walcott may be the most unrealistic option for Liverpool to sign, as the Englishman would undoubtedly see the Reds as a step down.

However, with Lukas Podolski, Gervinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and others to compete with at the Emirates Stadium, a first-team spot is proving hard to tie down for Walcott.

What’s more, Liverpool would be more equipped to offer the speedster a more lucrative contract, something that is thought to be at the core of the disagreement over his current contract, which runs out in 2013.