Liverpool Transfer News: Roberto Firmino Battle Emerges, Mateo Kovacic Latest

Liverpool face competition from the Premier League's elite to sign Hoffenheim star Roberto Firmino, according to reports.

Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express believes Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are ready to challenge the side for the Brazilian's signature. He is highlighted as "one of the most sought after talents anywhere in European football" by Jefferson.

Suitors can expect to pay around €25 million for the attacking midfielder, reported by German paper Bild (h/t Dov Rawson of 101 Great Goals). The video below goes some way to underlining the potential cost:

Firmino has enjoyed a terrific start to the Bundesliga season. Hoffenheim are currently fifth with just two losses from their opening 11 matches, many of which Firmino has starred in.

Aside from scoring twice during the recent 4-3 loss to Cologne, he provided telling assists or goals to yield points from matches with Augsburg, Werder Bremen and Schalke this campaign, per WhoScored.com. FourFourTwo writer Alex Chaffer provided a wider view of Firmino's stats:

The 23-year-old was recently rewarded with a call up to Brazil's national team for the upcoming matches with Turkey and Austria. He is outlined as "one of the Bundesliga's shining stars" in the division's official report, which also featured quotes from the ecstatic player himself.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

"I always look for the call-ups," Firmino told Brazilian newspaper Globo (h/t Bundesliga.com). "But this time it’s true, I didn't look! I wanted to run, scream and yell in the house - it's a dream come true. This is really important (for me) and it's amazing."

Such recognition is why Bild (h/t Rawson) reported 12 clubs across the continent are currently monitoring Firmino's progress.

However, Brendan Rodgers appears to be attracted to more than one in-demand midfielder, highlighted by his interest in Inter Milan's Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian is outlined as a "target" for the Merseyside club, per the Liverpool Echo, who will be looking to strengthen when January arrives.

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

Kovacic has been urged to quit Inter by international team-mate Darijo Srna, who believes the 20-year-old could enjoy faster development elsewhere. Srna's comments were reported to Croatian television station 24 Sata (h/t Inside Futbol):

"

Kovacic is one of the best young players in Italy; he is the one that makes the difference.
But if he wants to prosper, he must change his path. Inter are far from their best days and he would improve quicker if he were at a better club.

"

Like Firmino, Kovacic likes to get on the ball and influence proceedings with smart passes, as highlighted below:

He has provided two goals and an assist this season, but Inter are currently ninth in Serie A and struggling to overcome the tag of "fallen giants."

Either player would suit the system at Anfield. Firmino can slot in anywhere across the forward line and is excellent at feeding those ahead of him, perhaps making him a suitable investment to try to aid Mario Balotelli's barren run. He completes 3.2 dribbles each match, per WhoScored.com, and drives his team forward with tempo.

Kovacic is more conservative, but he would add battling spirit to Liverpool's centre. Greater attacking freedom could produce impressive results, as the starlet threatens to become an integral part of Croatia's national setup. Srna's assertions underline the talent of a player who could experience an accelerated growth if he exits the San Siro.

Rodgers' actions in January are going to be fascinating. Whether he acts or not, the Northern Irishman will receive the full attention of many after his summer signings have largely failed to impress. Firmino or Kovacic, both players who exert natural confidence, are certainly viable remedies to Liverpool's ongoing lack of spark.