Liverpool Transfer News: Saul Niguez Emerges as January Target for Reds

Liverpool look to become active in the transfer market, with a possible bid for talented Spain under-21 international Saul Niguez, per Simon Jones of The Mail Online.

Jones reports that The Reds have been in Spain scouting the talented youngster, with a possible £8 million move being made for the highly-rated player. 

Brendan Rodgers has been quoted by James Pearce of The Liverpool Echo saying: 

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To be the fair the club has been working hard on a number of targets. The club has been working very hard to get players in. I'll leave that to them and see how they get on. 

We need players to come in now to help us but January is a very difficult market. It is hard to bring in players that can improve the team, especially in this window.

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Liverpool's tremendous start to the season is in danger of falling foul to injury, as Rodgers still has a relatively small squad. 

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Niguez would not only give the team adequate cover as they push toward Champions League qualification, he would also likely become a future star, as thoughts turn towards a midfield without Steven Gerrard in the not-too-distant future.

The development of Jordan Henderson has shown Rodgers' skill in taking a young midfielder and improving him in a short space of time.

Niguez could follow this same path at Anfield. 

The youngster is currently on loan at Rayo Vallecano, and has played 19 times for his club in La Liga this season, per Squawka.

Rodgers' preference for youth reaffirms his long-term vision for the club, trying to reposition Liverpool at the head table of English football.

The team need players like Niguez who will not only add quality to the squad in the short-term, but will have a significant sell-on value should he have a successful stint in the North West. 

With the attacking flair of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, it would be prudent to strengthen with a player who has excellent defensive attributes to compliment such a potent attack. 

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The player can also play at centre-back, which is a huge bonus in terms of positional coverage. 

Niguez would be a fine addition, and increase Liverpool's chances of restoring top-level European football to the club.

Niguez has also been subject of interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, per Jones' article, so a swift move for the player would be a shrewd move for The Reds.