Liverpool Transfer News: Divock Origi January Recall Reported, Glen Johnson Eyed

Brendan Rodgers may bolster Liverpool's attacking options by recalling Divock Origi from his loan spell with Lille, according to reports.

The Belgian striker is yet to play for the Reds after signing for £10 million in the summer. While most of Liverpool's pre-season acquisitions have failed to impress—particularly Mario Balotelli—Origi has scored five goals in 10 appearances across Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and Europa League, per WhoScored.com.

Alex Harris of the Daily Star believes the impressive 19-year-old will be recalled early "if all three parties reach an agreement to cut the temporary spell in France short." Daniel Sturridge's recent injury problems, combined with a lack of incision from the Liverpool's attacking play, sees the Merseyside club sit ninth in the Premier League.

Origi has the ability to inject pace and power into the side. He proved fearless at the 2014 World Cup, a tournament in which many onlookers received their first chance to see the youngster play. He likes to get the ball down and pass before continuing his run, making him an excellent fit for Rodgers' hard-working side.

The striker admitted his manager has been in touch, but he knows the value of remaining in Ligue 1, per Harris:

"

The Liverpool manager regularly sends me a text message. They follow me and scouts attend all my games. Rodgers wanted to add me to his squad immediately, but Lille wanted me to stay for one more season. I had no choice. 

It’s not that I don’t want to go to Liverpool, I have ambitions. But it’s an advantage I’m at Lille for a season where I can continue to develop and play a lot. That’s the positive side of the story.

"

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It would be asking a lot of Origi for him to make an instant impact if a winter recall takes place. Rodgers would most likely want to share an entire pre-season schedule with the player before slotting him in, but Liverpool could certainly use attacking reinforcements.

Teams such as West Ham, Hull and Leicester have outscored the Anfield outfit across seven games this season, making Champions League qualification unlikely at this rate.

Manchester City and Belgium captain Vincent Kompany rates Origi highly, as reported by Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo: "He is very gifted and talented. Technically, he's a monster. More importantly, he is an outstanding worker in training. I see him working like crazy."

Such praise only serves the argument that Rodgers captured an excellent talent, and that Origi has the potential to be a future Anfield favourite.

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One player whose time could be up at the club is Glen Johnson. Neil McLeman of the Mirror believes Rafa Benitez is looking to take advantage over a lack of contract negotiations by taking the right-back to Serie A, a move which could reignite Johnson's career.

Ashley Cole recently became surplus to requirements at Chelsea, before heading to Roma in the summer. He has already shown his qualities in the Italian capital and has certainly taken a bold step to further his career.

Johnson would become the third English full-back to move to the division since the end of last season, if it does go ahead. Micah Richards also secured a move to Fiorentina when he was deemed unneeded by Manchester City.

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The performances of Johnson came under fire at the end of last season—which saw him react angrily to blame during the infamous 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace—so this option could represent an interesting step for the 30-year-old.

Rodgers certainly has the option to continue mixing his squad up. While Origi's loan was a necessity to getting the deal done, he'll be looking forward to working with the player on a consistent basis. Few would complain if Johnson departed, he is heading toward "deadwood" territory at Anfield, so his exit could provide the opportunity for Rodgers to continue freshening things up.

Although this hasn't worked particularly well for Liverpool so far this season, Rodgers will work avidly to ensure the team eventually shapes up.