Liverpool's January Transfer Activity: Bargain Hunting?

It's the time of the year when rumours spread everywhere as clubs prepare to reinforce their squads for a better second-half of the season.

So far, we have seen Luca Toni and David Beckham sealing loan moves to AS Roma and AC Milan respectively, while Inter signed Goran Pandev on a free transfer.

In Liverpool, Rafa Benitez has been told that he would need to sell players to raise funds, if he is to bring in any new faces in January. Over the past few months, there have been so many players linked with moves in and out of Liverpool.

Early signs have shown that Rafa could well be looking forward to a couple of bargain signings. With only less than four weeks more before the transfer window, who are Liverpool going to sign and sell?

The following slides will reveal the possible signings.

Maxi Rodriguez

Maxi Rodriguez, the player most heavily linked with a move to Liverpool since the turn of the new decade.

The Argentine, who had just turned 29, is reportedly to be on the verge of joining Liverpool on a six-month loan deal, before signing for the Merseyside club on a free transfer in the summer.

Could he be the creative spark Liverpool are lacking at the moment?

Transfer Possibility: 9/10

Marouane Chamakh

Another player who is seeing himself a free agent in the summer, the Moroccan striker has bagged more than 50 goals for Bordeaux since joining the Ligue 1 outfit in 2002.

Chamakh, who will be turning 26 in a few days is also on Arsenal's radar.

However, it is understood that the player doesn't want to leave his club in January.

Therefore, Liverpool are reportedly discussing a pre-agreement to sign the striker in the summer.

Transfer possibility: 5/10 (January), 7/10 (end of season)

Emile Heskey

Liverpool will definitely try to bring in at least one striker this month, and Emile Heskey is among the names linked with Liverpool.

The former Liverpool striker is selfless and has the physique to be a reliable striking partner for Fernando Torres, or even as a cover for the Spaniard.

However, Aston Villa's boss Martin O'Neill is reluctant to let go of the England international, who is also attracting interest from Chelsea.

With Aston Villa hoping for Liverpool not to finish in the top four, chances are that O'Neill will not allow Heskey to return to Merseyside.

Transfer Possibility: 5/10

Arda Turan

Is sources from Turkey are to be believed, then Arda Turan could be on his way to Liverpool sooner rather than later.

"When I've finished my business at Galatasaray, I will be happy to play in Europe and represent my country there," Turan said, according to the News of the World.

"I most want to play at Liverpool because of the culture of the club and the fans - and the fact that they have red shirts attracts me."

The Turk won't come cheap though, so Rafa may have to sell a couple of players before landing the 22-year-old.

Transfer Possibility: 6.5/10

Luis Suarez

Versatile forward Luis Suarez is reportedly being monitored by Rafa Benitez.

The Uruguay international, who will be turning 23 in two weeks, is currently one of the hottest prospects in Europe.

Manchester United and Barcelona are also said to be interested in the Ajax striker, who scored 22 goals from 31 appearances for the Eredivisie outfit last term.

He won't come cheap as well, so Rafa may have to sell players in order to sign him. This deal depends on the sales of Liverpool's current fringe players.

Transfer Possibility: 6.5/10

Scott Parker

A player Jan Molby recently said that he could do well in Liverpool, Scott Parker could be set for an exit from "troubled" West Ham.

Stoke City and Tottenham are also reportedly wanting to sign the tough 29-year-old English midfielder.

The possibility of him joining Liverpool depends on Javier Mascherano in my opinion. If the Argentine decides to leave and if Liverpool are willing to cash in on the midfielder, then Scott Parker could be the direct replacement for Mascherano.

Transfer Possibility: 7/10

Other Rumoured Players

Other players linked with Liverpool since the end of 2009 include Simon Kjaer, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Carlton Cole.

With the two Manchester clubs also interested in Kjaer, I don't expect Liverpool to continue their chase for the Danish centre-back currently playing for Palermo. Liverpool will be easily priced out and centre-back is not their main priority at the moment.

As for Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rafa Benitez has ruled out signing the clinical Dutch finisher ahead of the FA Cup clash with Reading.

Carlton Cole has become one of the most sought-after strikers in the Premiership. He definitely won't come cheap. Similarly to Kjaer, Liverpool will be priced out as there are many clubs interested in the tough centre-forward.

With so many players linked with Liverpool, which players are making way for the possible new signings?

The following slides will reveal the players most likely to leave Liverpool in January.

Andrea Dossena

Reportedly close to joining Napoli, Andrea Dossena's move back to Serie A is said to be stalled due to the heavy snow.

A player who hasn't done much since joining Liverpool in 2008, an offer comes knocking so what else can we expect?

Transfer Possibility: 9/10

Andriy Voronin

Andriy Voronin's time at Anfield could be ending soon since joining the Reds in summer 2007.

Dinamo Moscow are said to be discussing a deal to sign the Ukrainian on a fee around £2 million.

Allowed to spend Christmas in Miami by the coaching staffs, despite lacking options up front, it has long been understood that the 30-year-old would be allowed to leave this month.

Transfer Possibility: 8.5/10

Philipp Degen

Also signed on a free transfer, Swiss right-back Philipp Degen has failed to make an impact since joining Liverpool in 2008.

With Stephen Darby and Martin Kelly both been tested on the right-back slot, which they both did pretty well, Degen is no longer needed as a cover for Glen Johnson.

Stuttgart, along with few other Bundesliga clubs are reportedly interested in luring Degen back to Germany.

Transfer Possibility: 8/10

Ryan Babel

Possibly the player that could fetch Rafa most money in January, the Dutch winger has failed to build on his good start to his Liverpool career since signing from Ajax in 2007.

Has fallen out of favour over the months, he could be sold this month if Rafa Benitez is trying to bring in "not-so-cheap" new players within the next couple of weeks.

Birmingham have a reportedly £8 million bid rejected yesterday, as Liverpool valued the pacey winger at a region on £12 million.

Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in Babel.

Transfer Possibility: 7/10

Albert Riera

Albert Riera joined Liverpool on the transfer deadline two summers back.

The Spaniard had a respectable debut season in Liverpool which had seen him getting into his national side.

However, a series of injury this term has seen him struggling to make an impact.

Olympiakos are reportedly lining up a bid for the 27-year-old, after having a £5 million bid for Yossi Benayoun rejected earlier.

Rafa Benitez could be tempted to part with the left-sided midfielder in order to raise funds.

Transfer Possibility: 6/10

Other Rumored Exits

Javier Mascherano, a player reportedly asking for a move away last summer is still on Barcelona's radar.

The 25-year-old Argentine skipper could be tempted if Barca continue their pursuit on the defensive midfielder.

Maybe not now, a move away in the summer is more likely.

As for Yossi Benayoun, although Olympiakos came knocking on his door, chances are he will stay with Liverpool, especially having established himself as a regular at Anfield.