Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Mario Balotelli and Xherdan Shaqiri

Apparently, Mario Balotelli's problems have nothing to do with his temperament. Instead, the Italian striker might simply not be good enough technically for Liverpool.

At least that's the view of Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers, according to Mail Online writer Ian Ladyman:

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Doubts have existed about the Italy forward's attitude, hunger and desire ever since he first played in England for Manchester City three years ago and his performances for Liverpool have done nothing to persuade his critics otherwise.

But now it has emerged that Rodgers is beginning to have more fundamental issues with Balotelli after admitting privately that he has concerns about whether the striker is good enough to lead his attack.

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It's important to note that nowhere has Rodgers explicitly expressed misgivings about Balotelli's technical qualities. Certainly, if he's made that admission privately, it's a strange kind of privacy that finds itself in the papers.

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However, the argument that Balotelli doesn't quite fit Liverpool's style is not without merit. He is, after all, an individualist on the pitch.

Balotelli's glory-hogging style, most commonly illustrated by shots taken from great distances and every conceivable angle, does seem in contrast to the combination passing Rodgers adores.

That type of pass-and-move style demands a more collective approach.

There's no doubt Balotelli is struggling. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek recently claimed only Balotelli can end the slump.

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However, Dudek also preached caution about the idea of Rodgers building a team around Balotelli, per The Sport Review:

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You can build a team around a player like they did last year like they did with Suarez. I don’t think you can build this team around Balotelli. Everything depends on himself.

This is down to Balotelli. Nobody can help. The coach and players want to help him. He wanted to prove that he is the right man. It is actually down to him to be the main [man].

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There are those who still believe in Balotelli, but even their faith is being tested. ESPN pundit Janusz Michallik belongs to this group, as he explained to B/R's Ryan Bailey:

Michallik called for greater scoring potential upfront, along with more creativity in the Liverpool midfield. A player such as Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri could answer both needs.

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Manchester United and Liverpool are both keeping tabs on the Swiss international, per Daily Star reporter Nick Lustig, though Bayern manager Pep Guardiola is said to be against selling the player.

Guardiola confirmed that Shaqiri would have to ask for a transfer, according to Nicholas McGee of Goal.com: "I think they (Shaqiri and midfielder Emile Hojbjerg) will stay. If they want something then they need to speak to Matthias Sammer."

However, Liverpool should avoid playing the waiting game. They need help now, although the situation isn't quite as dire as it's been portrayed.

For instance, the Reds do have plenty of creative talent in midfield. Specifically, Philippe Coutinho and Lazar Markovic are two young players who can add ingenuity and flair to any game.

But Liverpool's true creative fulcrum is England international Adam Lallana. Keeping him healthy has to be part of any ideal scenario for Liverpool's season.

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In fact, Rodgers' biggest challenge is to find a way to incorporate all of his attacking midfielders in a balanced forward structure that works.

Recently, that's meant playing fleet-footed winger Raheem Sterling through the middle and surrounding him with playmakers. Shaqiri would work well with Sterling as he possesses similar pace and trickery from wide areas.

The Swiss star is also stout and clever enough with his movement to be converted to a role through the middle. Rodgers' ideal scenario would no doubt be forming a front three with a healthy Daniel Sturridge flanked by both Sterling and Shaqiri.

Yet, although it's clear Shaqiri is destined for the exit door in Munich, he has many more suitors than Liverpool. Mail Online writer Kit Holden recently reported on strong links to Bundesliga club Wolfsburg. It's a move Holden believes might appeal more to Shaqiri than joining Liverpool:

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The links to Volkswagen also set Wolfsburg in good stead when it comes to transfer deals with Bayern, as the company's chairman Martin Winterkorn occupies a seat on the Munich board.

For Shaqiri, though, there is one reason above all why Wolfsburg may be more attractive than Liverpool. The Wolves are flying high in second place in the Bundesliga this season, and are on course for Champions League football next season.

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While Rodgers may have to admit defeat or at the very least bide his time over Shaqiri, his commitment to improving Liverpool's options upfront appears strong. No doubt, Balotelli's ongoing struggles are a decisive motivation in the pursuit of fresh attacking help.