Liverpool Transfer News: Top Rumours Surrounding Reds on New Year's Day 2015

New Year's Day means the January transfer window is nearly upon us, and with just two days left to go, the rumours concerning Liverpool and their plans are coming in fast and furious.

Brendan Rodgers' squad saw a lot of turnover in the summer, but after a first half of the 2014-15 campaign filled with ups and downs, most fans are hoping for even more key signings this month.

The Reds' collection of young talent is impressive, and at least one player could be terminating his loan deal early to strengthen the squad heading into 2015. Here are the latest rumours coming out of Anfield on New Year's Day.

Liverpool Confident of Re-Signing Steven Gerrard

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As reported by the Daily Mail's Steven Wheeler, Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is free to enter talks with interested clubs as of today, but the Reds are confident the star midfielder won't be leaving any time soon:

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Liverpool are confident Steven Gerrard will sign a new deal at Anfield even though their captain is free to talk to other clubs from New Year's Day.

Gerrard entered the final six months of his contract at midnight, and the 34-year-old can now negotiate with foreign teams over a move in the summer.

Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls have both expressed a strong interest in taking Gerrard to the MLS. He has also been linked with Inter Milan.

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Clubs can offer Gerrard a pre-contract in January, which would see the veteran midfielder complete his current deal with the Reds before joining his new club during the summer.

The 34-year-old has been at Anfield since 1987, however, emerging from the youth academy to become one of the club's most celebrated icons. With such a storied history at the club, it's hard to imagine him defending different colours.

Rodgers told reporters he's fine with the current situation, even if that means Gerrard will be talking to other clubs:

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I think he’s earned that respect if he does (talk to other clubs).

I’ve got a great relationship and communication with Steven. He’s a wonderful player, a wonderful servant to this football club, and in my time here he’s been brilliant for me.

When I came in here two-and-a-half years ago, everyone asked if he could play my type of football or if his legs had gone. You’ve seen him over the last couple of years. He could have been player of the year last season.

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Gerrard is still a regular starter under Rodgers, leading the charge for the Reds in the centre of the pitch, and while he hasn't consistently been at his best in the 2014-15 season, he's still playing at a level required to be a very good Premier League player.

Sportswriter Paul Tomkins described the Reds captain as follows, while wondering whether he should get the start against Leicester City:

Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls make the most sense as potential transfer destinations, but perhaps in one or two years' time. As of right now, Gerrard is still very much a Premier League calibre player, and it's difficult to see him swapping the Reds for another club within England.

Saido Berahino Pushing for Move?

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West Bromwich Albion may be publicly stating Liverpool haven't made a  £23 million move for star striker Saido Berahino, but according to talkSPORT's Warren Haughton, the 21-year-old may not even cost the Reds as much should they push for a transfer.

Haughton has learned Berahino is desperate to leave the Hawthorns, and an offer of £14 million could do the trick:

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Liverpool and Tottenham have been handed a boost in their pursuit of West Brom starlet Saido Berahino – despite the Baggies rubbishing rumours of a £23million move. [...]

But talkSPORT understands a fee could be vastly reduced, to around £14m, because of the player’s insistence to leave the Hawthorns.It’s believed the England Under-21 star is keen on a move to Merseyside, while Tottenham have also expressed an interest in the youngster.

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The England international has been one of the biggest breakout players of the 2014-15 season, scoring seven goals in 19 total Premier League appearances for the Baggies, per WhoScored.com.

His hot form led to plenty of transfer speculation, to the point the club's official Twitter feed felt the need to intervene.

"Form" may be the best way to describe Berahino's first half of the season—after a scorching start, the youngster hasn't found the net in 11 consecutive matches. Berahino is a tantalising prospect, but his lack of scoring touch throughout the holiday period indicates he's far from a finished product.

West Brom are still preparing for plenty of interest, however, per sports writer Kristian Sturt:

Berahino has a similar profile to current Liverpool star Raheem Sterling, and looking at the club's biggest needs, Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Janusz Michallik were looking at bigger, more physical strikers to play up top:

That said, a £14 million transfer for one of England's better attacking talents could be a steal. The patient approach might be the safest bet here, giving Berahino time to prove his current scoring slump is nothing but a fluke.

Jordon Ibe Could Cut Loan Short

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Young winger Jordon Ibe has impressed while on loan at Derby County, and as reported by the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce, Brendan Rodgers recently admitted he is tempted to bring the 19-year-old back to Anfield in January:

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It is a loan to the end of season but we could bring him back if we need to because there is a review in January.

We need to decide whether it is the right thing to bring him back or continue with the great development he’s getting at Derby at the moment. If we do bring him back it will be to contribute.

I’ve seen Jordan in a lot of the games and he’s been outstanding. That’s the reason why we sent him out - we felt that getting that game experience would help him.

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Ibe has left a big impression during his time with Derby, and while there's still much room for improvement, he already looks like he could be ready to contribute on the Premier League level.

The youngster isn't a natural scorer, arguably the Reds' biggest need, but he has the athletic ability and vision to create plenty of running lanes for others. Paired with the equally mobile Sterling, he would present more static defences with a nightmare matchup.

Of course, the fact Ibe is developing so well with Derby presents Rodgers with a difficult decision. The youngster might be able to help the Reds in the near future, but as a winger, he plays in a position that is already well filled in the current senior squad.

Allowing him to continue developing with Derby may be the safer bet, ensuring he's fully prepared to play a big role in the 2015-16 season.

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