Liverpool Transfer News: Saido Berahino Rumours Grow, Jermain Defoe Offered

Anfield is calling for striker reinforcements, and Brendan Rodgers may choose to answer this January as talk of Saido Berahino's arrival intensifies, along with speculation regarding Jermain Defoe's acquisition.

Berahino was engaged in contract talks with West Bromwich Albion, but after seeing those deals apparently come to nought, the Baggies have decided the forward may be sold in 2015, per The Sun (h/t The Telegraph).

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

West Brom value their youngster at around £25 million and it's thought that Tottenham also hold an interest in his services, giving the Reds competition to land his signature this January.

The Telegraph's report quotes technical director Terry Burton in hinting that certain players could be sold in order to make up funds for their own purchases, saying of incoming manager Tony Pulis:

“He tries to win football matches and if he needs to sell somebody to do something else, he will sell them. He will do whatever is best to get results for the club and that could involve any aspect."

Berahino bagged four for the Baggies during their 7-0 demolition of Gateshead in the FA Cup on Saturday, scoring in back-to-back games after netting against West Ham United on New Year's Day.

Adam Crafton of the Daily Mail fears Berahino will leave the club this month:

Paul Little of the Irish Daily Star believes the budding England international could be a fine complement to Daniel Sturridge:

If Berahino were to arrive at Anfield, it would see the likes of Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini move further down Rodgers' pecking order, with Liverpool anxious to see Sturridge return to fitness.

It may be, however, that Rodgers' ranks are a little full right now, meaning that space may need to be freed up before another attacking figure can slot into the squad.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

A cheaper investment in terms of transfer fee would be that of Defoe, a player whom Toronto FC are allegedly eager to get rid of, proceeding to shop his name around Premier League suitors.

According to Matt Law of The Telegraph, Defoe wants to move back to England, but whereas clubs are hoping to sign the player on loan, Toronto only want to sell on permanent terms. The Daily Mail says Leicester City are also interested:

Whereas Berahino would be a long-term investment boasting a price tag of £20 million or above, Law mentions that Defoe would cost just £6 million.

At 32, the former England ace is hardly the most promising asset around, but Rodgers needs goals above all else right now, and Defoe may go some way to assuring that.

The Mirror's David Anderson says Defoe shares an agent with departing Anfield figure Steven Gerrard:

Balotelli and Lambert have both held patches of good scoring form in their Premier League pasts, but through his days with Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth, Defoe was always a danger.

The Englishman may not hold as glamorous a gleam as some others linked with Liverpool of late, but Rodgers may have a more reliable figure in this prospect should the financial details be agreed upon.