Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Must Bid Again for Keita Balde Diao

Liverpool have already been turned down once in a bid to sign Keita Balde Diao. But the Reds must bid again for the promising Lazio striker.

Anfield chief Brendan Rodgers reportedly made a bid this summer, according to the player's agent, per Efe (h/t Sky Sports' Nadia Carminati):

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Reports over the summer suggested a fee of around £24million would be required to secure the 19-year-old's services, but agent Anglo Cascella says both clubs made offers closer to £16million which were turned down.

Cascella told Efe: "Liverpool and Juventus offered a sum of 20 million euros for Keita last summer, but Lazio always rejected their offers.

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At the time, Rodgers would have been courting possible replacements for departing attacking talisman Luis Suarez. He eventually solved the problem created by Suarez's exit by signing talented bad boy Mario Balotelli from AC Milan.

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However, it's Balotelli's long history of acting out that provides the reason for Rodgers to try for Keita again this winter. It's impossible to deny Balotelli's talent.

His awesome physical power, lightning pace and accomplished technique make him close to unplayable when he's in the mood. But too often, the Italy international lets himself and his club down with behaviour that could only politely be described as erratic.

His last stint in England's Premier league came with Manchester City. It was a spell that took in altercations with manager Roberto Mancini and even the player setting off fireworks in his own bathroom.

Balotelli has even attracted controversy, fairly or otherwise, in his very brief time with Liverpool. There were reports of a clash during a recent friendly with Wolverhampton Wanderers, per Birmingham Mail's Bill Howell:

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Social media suggests Mario Balotelli stamped or headbutted George Saville in a behind closed doors game at Melwood.

Wolves sources say there was a 50-50 challenge but Saville did not require treatment and completed the 90 minutes.

Liverpool will not be making a statement.

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Rodgers was soon forced to deny the incident, which, in fairness, does appear to have been a non-event, per 101 Great Goals. But it has served to highlight the kind of attention Liverpool can expect as long as Balotelli's in the fold.

It would be smart to acquire some insurance against potential Balotelli-related incidents. But it's not just the newly acquired maverick who should prompt a renewed offer for Diao.

Rodgers' current striking depth is comprised of Rickie Lambert. The 32-year-old functional England international is in the twilight of his career. It makes sense to find a star for the future at the position.

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That idea is lent weight by the injury situation surrounding star forward Daniel Sturridge. The striker, who has defined his overall game to become a true talisman for Liverpool, is currently sidelined with a thigh strain. The ailment will keep him out for up to three weeks, according to BBC Sport.

As well as Sturridge has played, he does seem to have a habit of attracting minor niggles that disrupt his run in the team. That only compounds Liverpool's need for a credible understudy.

Still just 19, Diao perfectly fits the bill. He's blessed with good strength from a solid frame but also has the quickness and decisive instincts a top goalscorer needs.

Diao is obviously more potential than finished article at this point, but that's unlikely to bother Rodgers. The Liverpool chief isn't shy about giving chances to younger players the way he did with Raheem Sterling.

Diao would join Divock Origi, the exciting Belgian teenager currently on loan at Lille, to give the Reds two budding, young stars for the future at a key position.