Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Mario Balotelli, Xherdan Shaqiri, More

The 2-2 draw against Ludogorets Razgrad on Wednesday ignited the transfer rumour mill for Liverpool, who have struggled through much of the 2014-15 campaign and are in dire need of some changes, whether that's in mentality or personnel.

With several high-profile contributors lacking in form, speculation surrounding their future or potential replacements continues to surface, and unless the results improve drastically, that will no doubt carry over into the January window.

While it's too early to hit the panic-button, it's becoming abundantly clear something needs to be done. Here's the latest transfer news surrounding the Reds.

Mario Balotelli's Daughter The Cause of Early Struggles?

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

The start to Mario Balotelli's Liverpool career has been one to forget, as the Italy international has bagged just two goals this season and is yet to find the net in Premier League action, via WhoScored.com.

His agent, Mino Raiola suggests Super Mario is struggling because he misses his daughter Pia, who still lives in Italy. As reported by the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce, he told Il Corriere dello Sport:

"It’s wrong to criticise him. He needs to be given time to adapt at Liverpool. His difficult time is not connected to football, but to the fact he can’t see his daughter as much as he would like."

The much-maligned striker joined the Reds from AC Milan during the summer, and while his debut against Tottenham Hotspur was promising, an injury to Daniel Sturridge thrust the Italian into a key role far too soon.

The 24-year-old has been plagued by controversy and criticism throughout his career, and in the past, his play often suffered due to the constant pressure put on him by the media. Balotelli has always been an emotional player, who does his best work when his team-mates and coaches speak highly of him.

When they don't, or the media are on his back, he sulks. Missing his daughter likely won't help, either, but for the sake of his Liverpool career, he needs to turn things around in a hurry. The Reds need his scoring prowess more than ever, and if his slump continues, his spot on the national team may be in jeopardy as well.

Bayern Munich Will Allow Xherdan Shaqiri to Depart in January

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer told Sport 1(h/t Daily Mail's Nicholas Godden) Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri will be allowed to leave the club in January, saying:

"Bayern have already sent out a signal and indicated to him that he can probably go in the winter break, when he wants. I think it's a shame because he is a great talent."

The 23-year-old winger has started just five Bundesliga contests so far, via WhoScored, and new Bavarian manager Pep Guardiola has found his perfect starting Xi, which doesn't appear to include the talented forward.

F365's Nick Miller believes it's evident the Spaniard isn't particularly keen on the player:

A January exit had been rumoured for some time after a busy summer window that saw the Swiss international linked with a host of clubs following an impressive World Cup campaign.

He revealed the Reds made an offer for his services, via Godden, but at the time, the German champions were determined to keep hold of the tricky speedster. They now appear to have changed their minds, opening the door for a permanent move.

Blending pace and technique with a keen eye for goal, Shaqiri would undoubtedly bring a new energy to a Liverpool attack that has struggled for creativity in the 2014-15 season.

Petr Cech to Replace Simon Mignolet?

Nikola Solic/Associated Press

Simon Mignolet committed another serious blunder on Wednesday, spilling a routine shot that allowed Ludogorets to open the score, and pundits are openly discussing potential replacements for the current starting goalkeeper.

One of the names surfacing is Chelsea's Petr Cech, who could be leaving the Blues after losing his starting position to Thibaut Courtois. WhoScored (for talkSPORT) believe he could be the one signing that could help the Reds turn things around:

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Mignolet’s error in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Ludogorets on Wednesday night raises further question marks over his long-term future on Merseyside. The Belgian is far too prone to mistakes, and as a result, apprehension plagues the Liverpool defence.

Cech, though, has proven to be a calming influence in the face of adversity, which filters through to those in front of him. With Liverpool’s defence as shaky as it is, Cech’s acquisition would be a real coup and the Reds would be wise to firm up their reported interest in the New Year.

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The experienced Czech international has lived in England for the past decade, so it's understandable to believe he prefers a move to a rival Premier League team than a foreign adventure.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho would likely rather not strengthen a direct rival, however, and if Liverpool are serious about moving for the 32-year-old, he will undoubtedly carry a relatively hefty price tag.

Current Blues' No. 1 Courtois recently told Sky Sports he would leave the club if he was in Cech's shoes, saying: “As a goalkeeper you want to play. If I was in that situation where I didn’t play a lot, then I would leave too. I think Petr is still a goalkeeper with a lot of quality and one of the best there is."

Cech would undoubtedly bolster Liverpool's shaky defensive unit, but actually prying him loose from the Blues in January may prove tricky.

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