Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Victor Valdes, Xherdan Shaqiri and More

Victor Valdes is reportedly "interested" in a move to Liverpool, as speculation continues to link the former Barcelona goalkeeper with a switch to Anfield.

Joe Musker, writing for the website of Sky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, suggests the free agent is considering the chance to link up with Brendan Rodgers' faltering Reds: "The 32 year-old is interested in a move to Anfield. ... Rodgers wants to sign competition for Simon Mignolet, who's form has been put into question in recent weeks, and he sees Valdes as the perfect solution."

Rodgers has reportedly offered Valdes a trial ahead of the proposed move, as reported by The Sunday Express (via Aaron Flanagan of the Daily Mirror). He will certainly need to prove his fitness ahead of a contract being offered, as Valdes' last competitive match came on March 26.

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It's vital Simon Mignolet is given some type of competition. The Belgian eased his way into the side last season due to Pepe Reina joining Napoli on loan, but he has never looked threatened since, despite indifferent form. Although an able shot-stopper, Mignolet continues to prove timid from crosses and isn't capable of dominating his box.

The manager knows this and recently challenged his No. 1 to step up when opponents target his lack of physicality, per Paul Joyce of the Daily Express: "The key thing, and the message to all the players in that situation, is make sure you are the front foot. Be aggressive, don't wait for it. He's a bit of a laid-back type of person in his personality."

Brad Jones remains Mignolet's only competitor, but the Australian keeper has rarely threatened to break into the first team. Valdes' arrival would shake things up and let Mignolet know that if he doesn't improve, he'll watch the latter half of the season from the bench.

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Rodgers may be tempted to further challenge his outfield stars, too. The Xherdan Shaqiri link won't go away, but Bayern Munich's rarely used star has insisted he will remain at the Allianz Arena, per David Wright of the Daily Express: "I've still got a contract until 2016 and the club have already told me I won't be going anywhere so I've just got to accept that."

German publication Bild suggests the player could be on his way to Atletico Madrid, as reported by BBC Sport, but it seems Pep Guardiola isn't looking to cash in on a player who has made just three starts across all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com.

Rodgers possesses a keen eye for young players and is also rumoured to be courting two talented midfielders. Liverpool are "seriously considering" a bid for Anderlecht's Youri Tielemans after a scout was sent to watch the 17-year-old, according to Gary Jones of the Daily Star.

The defensive midfielder has been an ever-present in the Belgian side this season. He is the youngest player to grace the Champions League and has proven himself an excellent reader of the game just in front of Anderlecht's defence.

He passes well, communicates with team-mates and was recently outlined as Anderlecht's "danger man" by Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp, per ESPN.co.uk.

Alternatively, Heerenveen midfielder Daley Sinkgraven is also said to be attracting interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, as reported by Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star. 

Sinkgraven recently scored the winning goal against PSV Eindhoven and is more attacking-natured than Tielemans. The 19-year-old can be deployed anywhere across midfield and is versatile enough to contribute in all phases of play.

Rodgers will certainly have decisions to make in January. His new signings haven't bedded in as quickly as the Northern Irishman would have liked, but we'll have a better idea of where the team stands at Christmas. He doesn't appear wary of bringing in too many players across a short space of time, so it wouldn't be surprising to see cash spent when the market opens.

The side's best January signing could arrive on a free, however, as Victor Valdes' assurance at the back would have a calming effect across the entire squad. Experienced winners are certainly needed alongside new talent, as competition becomes a key factor in helping the Liverpool squad reach top form.