Liverpool Transfer News: Mario Balotelli Replacement Eyed, Gonzalo Higuain Blow

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed he won't hesitate to bring in a new striker during the January transfer window, should Mario Balotelli maintain his run of poor form.

The Italian striker continues to receive criticism for his run of lacklustre displays, which have yielded one goal in 10 matches for the Reds.

More frustrating than his goal return and shirt-swapping controversy, per Telegraph Sport, is Balotelli's general demeanour. He appears uninterested, bored and out of tune with the rest of Rodgers' hard-working side.

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The January transfer window is approaching. Rodgers is open to options when the winter market arrives and has offered no confirmation that Balotelli's position will be safe beyond then. Rodgers spoke prior to the Reds' Premier League clash with Hull, as reported by David Maddock of the Mirror:

"At this moment in time, I'll be working with the players that we have and he is one of them," said Rodgers. "Not just improving him, but improving all the players. And we will see come January what the team needs."

Pete O'Rourke of Sky Sports and Alex Shaw of ESPN tweeted further quotes from the Northern Irish boss:

Football writer Daniel Storey believes Rodgers' comments are strange:

Upon Balotelli's arrival, Liverpool specialist Paul Machin told B/R UK's Ryan Bailey why the player cannot act as saviour now Luis Suarez has departed:

Across Europe, only Cristiano Ronaldo has fired more shots at goal than Balotelli this season, per Maddock. Currently, his five shots per match—recorded across 10 appearances—means he averages a single goal every 50 attempts. This is presuming he scores with his first shot against Hull. A two percent conversion rate, most likely lower, is nowhere near good enough for Liverpool.

For comparison, Everton centre-back Phil Jagielka has launched four attempts at goal across eight Premier League matches this season, scoring two. The English defender isn't famed for netting, but he did so in spectacular style against Liverpool and has a conversion rate of 25 percent, per WhoScored.com.

Such realisations have led the press to touting Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain as Rodgers' go-to man in the January transfer window, per the Express (h/t Aaron Flanagan of the Mirror). However, the Argentinian's older brother recently dismissed suggestions the striker will leave Italy.

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Federico Higuain, who plays for MLS side Columbus Crew, told Calciomercato (translated by Football Italia as per ESPN FC): 

"

I have read and heard different things about my brother, but none of these things correspond to reality. People have spoken of the disappointment of not qualifying for the Champions League (group stage), and that this has caused resentment from Gonzalo. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"

Federico continued, saying, "When I speak to my brother he is calm, and happy to wear the shirt of Napoli. His future is still with the Partenopei."

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Rodgers certainly needs a Higuain-type player. Someone to mop up loose chances, move intelligently in the box and find pockets of space before distributing the ball wide to Raheem Sterling or Daniel Sturridge.

The striker isn't enjoying a particularly impressive run himself—and is yet to open his account in Serie A this season, per WhoScored—but he could sharpen the tip of Liverpool's blunt attacking spear.

Whether he's destined to arrive or not, the immediate focus is on Balotelli finding his form. There's no doubt the 24-year-old has the physical ability to become a Liverpool favourite, but the real question is whether he has the footballing brain to successfully work for one of the world's most demanding clubs.

His regrettable attitude far outweighs sloppy performances at this point, something Rodgers is likely to act upon if Balotelli continues to disappoint heading into the new year.