Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Reds Set to Join Race for Versatile Chelsea Forward

It is no secret that Liverpool and their manager Kenny Dalglish have been looking to sign a long-term backup striker, with names like Kevin Doyle and Hugo Rodallega coming up in rumours surrounding the club. It appears, according to The Daily Mail, that they have settled on Chelsea's Ivorian attacker Salomon Kalou. 

Kalou joined Chelsea from Dutch club Feyenoord for £9 million in 2006, as a key component of the Roman Abramovich revolution at Stamford Bridge. However, he never managed to fully establish himself as a first-team player, instead settling in to a supersub role, frequently contributing off the bench. In recent seasons, he has fallen even further back down the depth chart at Stamford Bridge with the signings of Nicolas Anelka and Fernando Torres, leading to a contract standout between the two clubs. It seems a move away from the Bridge is inevitable.

Arsenal have long been suitors, but Liverpool are ready to lock horns with the London club to secure his services. His versatility as both a winger and a striker makes him a valuable asset behind the likes of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. He is just entering his prime and likely has his best years ahead. He will be available at a bargain price, and Dalglish could well jump at the opportunity to sign him in January.

Follow Jake Ware on Twitter at @JacobWare95