Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Sergio Romero and Reds' Major January Plans

Liverpool's plans for the January transfer window could change dramatically if rumours of manager Brendan Rodgers being primed for the sack prove to be true.

At the moment, at least, Rodgers remains in charge at Anfield. He seems set to look for new options between the posts this January amid Simon Mignolet's dip in form. Argentina international Sergio Romero is the top target.

Rodgers will also know his squad needs more dynamism in a midfield rapidly growing stale. That's why he'll be encouraged by the latest word regarding the availability of Aston Villa's Fabian Delph.

But the best place to start is with the rumours suggesting the man who guided Liverpool to second last season is set to be shoved through the exit door.

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Rodgers appears to have made himself favourite to be first over the line in the Premier League's annual sack race, as reported by BBC Sport:

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'A few months ago I was the manager of the year, now I'm favourite to get the sack,' said Rodgers, who is actually third-favourite with most bookmakers.

'It's part and parcel of this wonderful life of working in football.'

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Rodgers is certainly struggling post-Luis Suarez. Losing the player who was his team's chief goal-getter and top creative force was always going to have a major impact. Liverpool fans would have hoped it wouldn't be this negative.

Rodgers' words about his own job status have prompted reports speculating on his possible replacements. Goal.com writer Duncan Castles offered three potential names to consider:

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Should a definitive decision be made to change manager again, FSG are expected to appoint a young, forward thinking coach. Roberto Martinez was initially Henry's preferred candidate for the role in 2012, though his position at Everton and renowned loyalty to employers mitigate against him this time around.

Andre Villas-Boas - who has led Zenit St Petersburg to an eight-point advantage at the summit of the Russian Premier League - was also short listed two years ago, but is not keen on coaching in England again. FSG have been impressed by Jurgen Klopp's achievements at Borussia Dortmund and are well aware that he has begun positioning himself for a job in England.

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Reds fans are unlikely to be delighted by the presence of Everton boss Martinez on any shortlist connected with the Anfield club.

Of course, it's worth noting Rodgers still has time to turn things around. But he'll need wise spending in January to do it.

Targeting Delph could be a good start. The Aston Villa midfield terrier's current contract runs out next summer, meaning he'll be available for a bargain fee in January.

Although a current shoulder injury could halt any exit plans Delph might have, Villa gaffer Paul Lambert says he won't be able to keep an unhappy star, per Birmingham Mail reporter Gregg Evans:

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With the Bosman ruling the player holds the cards. I know that because I’ve done it myself.

I know exactly what the Bosman ruling can do. Fabian’s been playing really well and I’m pretty sure he’s feeling good - other than the injury.

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There is no chance he will be out until February or March, no, no. I hope not anyway.

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Lambert's reasonably positive update on Delph's fitness might encourage Liverpool to act in the winter window. Delph certainly has qualities, in terms of aggression and defensive awareness, the Reds currently lack.

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The ex-Leeds United prodigy could take up a position at the base of the Liverpool midfield. From there he could act a as a minder for veteran deep-lying playmaker Steven Gerrard, or even let the 34-year-old play further forward.

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Getting the most out of Gerrard has been an issue all campaign. Giving him some support might solve the problem.

Of course, Liverpool aren't lacking for potential supporting players. Jordan Henderson, Lucas Leiva, Joe Allen and Emre Can can all come into midfield. Liverpool Echo reporter James Pearce believes Lucas still has a key role to play: "Utilising Gerrard in the final third opens the door for Lucas to re-establish himself at Anfield."

Yet Rodgers might feel the more athletic Delph is a better fit. Given the Liverpool manager rotates as often as he does, he doesn't seem entirely enamoured with his options in the middle.

Rodgers could deem Delph, who's made some strides at Villa, as a genuine upgrade on Lucas and Co.

Speaking of an upgrade, it seems Rodgers is already looking for one over Mignolet. The Anfield chief signed the Belgian stopper for £9 million just last summer.

However, Rodgers has since become concerned by his erratic form, per Andy Hunter of the Guardian:

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Brendan Rodgers has told Simon Mignolet he wants an immediate response to the goalkeeper’s glaring error against Ludogorets, with the Belgium international’s position as first choice coming under increased scrutiny.

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'As a goalkeeper you have to be able to let these things go. The goal was a massive setback for the team but we need to keep his confidence as high as we can.'

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The Reds are now ready to engineer a deal for Romero if Mignolet continues to falter. Daily Express reporter Anthony Chapman believes Rodgers will try to snare the 27-year-old Sampdoria 'keeper this January:

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Louis Van Gaal is still keeping tabs on Romero as trainee Victor Valdes ponders his next move, but reports in Italy claim that Liverpool have opened negotiations with the player's agent.

Romero is keen to test himself in the Premier League, and he could get his chance at Anfield as Brendan Rodgers grows weary of Simon Mignolet.

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Italian source Tuttomercatoweb.com (h/t Sport Witness) has attempted to lend weight to the claims of Romero joining the Merseyside club:

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TMW have today reported that Mino Raiola is confident Romero will be heading to England when the transfer reopens in January. Raiola has been in contact with Liverpool over a possible move for the Argentine as a deal gets closer to bring him to Anfield. Liverpool have been tracking him since his impressive performances during the World Cup this summer in which he was one of the best goalkeepers in the competition. It has been claimed that there is a real possibility that Romero will finally get his move to Liverpool and his wish to remain playing in a major league in Europe.

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Romero is certainly an agile shot-stopper, but his decision-making is no less questionable than Mignolet's. Adapting to the physical rigours of the Premier League would also likely pose a major challenge for the slight custodian. This should be one deal Rodgers avoids during the winter window.

With pressure growing on his position, Rodgers may well need positive business in January to restore faith in his credentials to lead Liverpool forward. Neither Delph nor Romero represent marquee investments, even though the former could help at a key position.