Liverpool Transfer News: Paul Pogba Bid Urged, Latest on Fernando Torres Rumours

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes Paul Pogba is the "ideal replacement" for Steven Gerrard.

Owen, who spoke about Pogba on BT Sport, suggests the French midfielder could develop into an Anfield leader, per Hamish Mackay of the Daily Mail: 

"

Steven Gerrard's not going to go on forever so the ideal replacement there would probably be someone like Paul Pogba at Juventus. He's an exceptional talent, a young talent that can play in that drive an [sic] central midfield role.

"

Jon Super/Associated Press

Of course, a number of obstacles stand in the way of such an unlikely deal. The most prominent is also the simplest: Pogba recently inked a new five-year contract with Juventus. He is fully committed to the Serie A side's cause and is provided with the responsibility needed to keep him satisfied. This didn't happen at Manchester United, a factor in his eventual departure.

Pogba's association with the Red Devils could also block any route to Merseyside. He didn't leave Old Trafford on best terms with Sir Alex Ferguson, but it's rare that the club's former players turn out for Liverpool (and vice versa).

It's also important to consider that if Pogba is ever put up for sale, many of Europe's elite are likely to be interested.

United (via the Express), Chelsea (via the London Evening Standard) and Paris Saint-Germain (according to Sky Sports) are among those to be linked with him across the last year.

Pogba is unlikely to exchange Juventus for a club not guaranteed Champions League football and likely to win trophies. This is Liverpool's current downfall when any world-class name is linked.

Warren Little/Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers needs to be avidly searching for reinforcements, but smart—rather than needlessly expensive—business should be planned for January. Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes this shouldn't include the return of Fernando Torres, as he revealed to talkSPORT (h/t Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star):

"

I wouldn’t like to see (Fernando Torres return), if I’m being totally honest. If Liverpool bring a striker in you want a young, fresh, and energetic young fellow who is looking to make a name for himself. Fernando Torres has had an unbelievable career with the trophies that he has won but I think we saw the best of him at Anfield and that was quite a few years ago now.

"

Atletico Madrid assistant German Burgoss recently admitted he wants Torres to return to the Vicente Calderon, reported by Cope (h/t Football Italia): "A return for Torres?. I don't want to create misunderstandings, I'm just stating my opinion, but it would be wonderful.”

Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images

Warren Haughton of talkSPORT suggests "wantaway" Saido Berahino could offer the Reds another option. The West Brom striker has reportedly halted contract negotiations in order to pursue a January exit from the Hawthorns, a factor which may highlight why he has been missing from the Baggies' starting lineup across the last three matches.

Berahino remains West Brom's top scorer with eight goals across all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com. He is more mobile than Torres and certainly a sharper prospect for the future.

That said, the 21-year-old has an awful lot to learn before he can be considered a top-class striker. Liverpool could use a well-rounded, more complete fix.

This description could also fuel Rodgers' quest for a new goalkeeper. The Northern Irishman has dropped Simon Mignolet to provide Brad Jones with three consecutive starts, but neither is the dominant No. 1 Liverpool need.

Tom Dulat/Getty Images

Chelsea's Petr Cech could be available for the right offer. Viktor Kolar, the player's agent, recently nudged Rodgers into making a bid, reported by Darren Lewis of the Mirror:

"

It’s unlikely Petr will leave Chelsea in the January transfer window. The club and coach want to keep him to help win the title. I think Arsenal should have made an offer to him. I think Petr would be considering it. Liverpool need to strengthen their position in goal and they know Petr will be available in the summer.

"

Football pundit Janusz Michallik previously described to B/R UK's Ryan Bailey exactly what Liverpool need to add in the January transfer window:

Rodgers certainly has plenty of options, but he shouldn't make a signing just for the sake of it. This happened with Mario Balotelli, a player who is yet to score in the Premier League. It's unlikely Liverpool would be doing any worse without him if Rickie Lambert and Raheem Sterling were given further opportunities up front.

Summers signings such as Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic are starting to show some decent form. Rodgers needs a couple of leaders to galvanise his team as Gerrard's influence continues to wane.

Pogba is certainly the right type of player, even if he can be considered an extremely unlikely signing. Cech, with all of his experience, is dominant in his box and would offer Liverpool's centre-backs a commanding presence to work with.

It is certainly a good idea for Rodgers to hunt for new talent throughout January, but he needs quality, not quantity.