Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Marco Reus, Seydou Doumbia and More

Liverpool's prospects of signing Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus have received a blow amid reports Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also want the Germany international. However, the Reds' bid to bolster their options in attack could still include a move for CSKA Moscow striker Seydou Doumbia.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is reportedly also keen on Sporting Lisbon's midfield powerhouse William Carvalho. Rodgers knows his midfield ranks will soon need a refresh as 33-year-old skipper Steven Gerrard's contract runs down.

But Rodgers' top priority remains beefing up an attack that has lacked a spark since Luis Suarez was sold to Barcelona this summer. Reus would certainly represent a marquee addition for a club floundering in eighth place in the Premier League.

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

But it appears those plans will have to be shelved now that 10-time European Cup winner Real Madrid has entered the race, per Daily Star reporter Chisanga Malata:

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According to reports in Spain, Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti is also keen to snap up the former Borussia Monchengladbach star, and will also make a move for him in January.

The news of Madrid's interest in Reus will be a huge blow to Louis van Gaal, Brendan Rodgers and Arsene Wenger, who are all eager to land the coveted Germany star.

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Reus has also been generating interest from Bayern Munich for some time. In fact, Daily Mirror writer Neil Moxley has stated that if Reus moves from Dortmund, Munich will be his destination:

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Marco Reus will snub a move to Manchester City next summer after opting to stay put in Germany.

City chief Manuel Pellegrini was preparing a mind-boggling offer for the German winger who has refused to sign a new contract with Borussia Dortmund.

Reus has a £20million get-out clause in his deal that Bayern Munich are prepared to meet.

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Whether Reus stays in Germany or moves abroad, competition from Los Blancos and Bayern likely knocks Liverpool out of the race. That makes Doumbia a more likely target.

The 26-year-old Ivory Coast star has been in prolific form for the Russian outfit. He's scored nine goals already this season, per WhoScored.com.

The ex-BSC Young Boys ace has performed particularly well in the UEFA Champions League, as statistics from Opta Franz reveal:

That form is what's prompting interest from Rodgers, per Daily Mirror reporters Tom Hopkinson and Dean Jones:

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Brendan Rodgers is considering a £15million move for the striker who humbled Manchester City in the Champions League, the Sunday People can reveal.

Seydou Doumbia struck twice in midweek as CSKA Moscow won 2-1 at the Etihad to leave Manuel Pellegrini’s side with an uphill battle to reach the last 16.

And he did so in front of Liverpool spies, who were watching the Ivorian for the fifth time.

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Italian side Napoli are also keen on the 26-year-old, who is contracted to CSKA until 2018 and has a buy-out clause of around £30m.

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Quick and powerful, Doumbia can sprint past or muscle markers. Once he gets a chance, he rarely wastes the opportunity.

Liverpool haven't had that level of efficiency in attack this season. New arrivals Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert have floundered, while Daniel Sturridge has been blighted by injury.

As a player entering his prime, Doumbia would certainly improve things in front of goal.

Further back, Carvalho would act as natural protection for Liverpool's beleaguered defence. The Reds have conceded 15 goals in 11 league games this season, per PremierLeague.com.

A classic and rugged destroyer like Carvalho would certainly solidify things. Rodgers is apparently ready to spend big to land the beefy 22-year-old, according to Daily Star reporter Alex Harris:

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According to reports in Portugal, Brendan Rodgers is keen to add the 22-year-old to his squad with the future of Steven Gerrard in doubt.

Carvalho recently admitted that he is keen to one day play in the Premier League.

'We all have ambitions and I hope one day to play in the best leagues in the world, the English or Spanish,' he told the Portuguese Association's magazine.

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Carvalho has been on the Premier League radar for some time now. Arsenal are especially keen, per Tom Sheen of The Independent. The interest is understandable considering Carvalho's blend of physicality and skill.

He is at once a ferocious tackler with keen defensive instincts, as well as a quality passer from deep. ESPN FC writer Chris Atkins has detailed Carvalho's style and best attributes:

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A powerful defensive midfielder, William has risen from nowhere over the past 12-months to become one of the most widely sought-after young talents in European football.

Sitting in front of the Sporting defence, his control of the game was a key factor in the club's outstanding 2013-14 season, helping to dictate the tempo of the game and offer defensive solidity as full-backs Cedric and Jefferson pushed forward. Now, having attended the World Cup, he is now seen as an important player in Paulo Bento's Portugal setup.

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Carvalho is the type of player Liverpool lack in midfield. Gerrard is still a smart, creative force, but he lacks the dynamic athleticism to break up attacks.

The veteran's contract expires this summer, and Rodgers needs a new focal point for his midfield. Carvalho represents the ideal complement to forward-thinking playmakers such as Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana.

Liverpool clearly need a boost in more than one key area as Rodgers' team continues to stumble through life without Suarez. Signing Reus was likely always a pipe dream. But both Carvalho and Doumbia represent great solutions to this squad's issues going forward and at the back.