Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Latest on Divock Origi, Fabian Delph

Liverpool will be among the clubs eyeing the 2015 January transfer window in an attempt to save their disappointing season, and according to the latest rumours, manager Brendan Rodgers has already amassed a lengthy list of targets.

The Reds need help in just about every area of the pitch, with scoring and the defensive unit often pointed out as the weakest links. Simon Mignolet has also been shaky this season, so some competition in goal could be on the way.

Here are the latest rumours coming out of Anfield.

Divock Origi Returning in January

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Fans and pundits have been discussing the possibility of Belgium international Divock Origi terminating his loan at Lille early, and according to AFP's Andy Scott, it now looks as if that's exactly what will happen.

He believes the Reds will pay €6 million to bring the forward back ahead of schedule:

Scott claims there is a clause in Origi's contract that gives Liverpool the chance to cut the loan short, providing they have a clear need at the forward position. Given the Reds have scored just a paltry 19 goals in the Premier League this season, it's reasonable to say help is needed.

Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and former U.S. international Janusz Michallik discussed the club's needs in the January window, and they too arrived at the conclusion that scoring is a real issue:

There's only one problem: Origi is having a rough year in front of goal himself, scoring just four times all season, including two penalties, according to WhoScored.com.

The 19-year-old is widely viewed as one of the biggest talents to emerge from Belgium in recent years, but he's still very raw and not ready to contribute at the highest level. The New York Times' Gabriele Marcotti can't see him changing the fate of the Reds' front line anytime soon:

So why invest another €6 million in a player who likely won't be ready to contribute and will return to the club in the summer? It's actually quite simple: Lille are going through a dreadful season themselves, sitting just 12th in the French Ligue 1.

Origi was supposed to develop his skills in France, and via This Is Anfield's Michael Sweething, that simply isn't happening:

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Id pay to get Origi to Anfield, not because I think he'll be a saviour, but because atmosphere at Lille sounds poisonous. Not developing.

— Michael Sweeting (@M_Sweeting) December 19, 2014"

Sure, the price tag is steep, but if Rodgers fears Origi's progress is being hindered by the atmosphere at Lille, bringing him to Liverpool is the right move.

Fabian Delph Bid to Come in Summer, not January

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Liverpool are the favourites in the Fabian Delph sweepstakes, but according to the Daily Mail's David Kent, the Aston Villa man won't be moving to Anfield before the end of this season.

He believes Rodgers won't be granted much of a budget to work with in January and instead will be forced to seek out loan deals:

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Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to be given money to spend to boost his Liverpool squad in January - putting paid to his hopes of signing Fabian Delph.

Liverpool remain in the mix for the Villa midfielder, with Tottenham also in the frame, but any deal will be a free transfer in the summer.

Rodgers still wants a new goalkeeper and a striker to turn his side's dismal season around, but is most likely to dip into the loan market.

"

Delph's contract runs out at the end of the season, so teams will be able to approach the 25-year-old with a pre-contract in January.

The Daily Mirror believes the England international will be targeted to replace Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, via Inside World Football:

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Today's @MirrorSport - "Delph's our new Gerrard" #LFC #AVFC pic.twitter.com/zccAWxogaT

— InsideWorldFootball (@insidewldftball) December 19, 2014"

Sky Sports' Peter Hall disagrees:

Villa once again face a battle to avoid relegation to the Championship, and with Delph's contract running out in the summer, the club will know all too well offers for his services likely won't meet their demands in January.

It makes sense not to move him for a minimal fee and instead use his production over the course of the next few months. Unless Tottenham make a power play in January, a move to Anfield in the summer seems a likely scenario.

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