Liverpool Transfer News: Ezequiel Lavezzi Boost, Latest Mario Balotelli Rumours

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has reportedly ordered the sale of Ezequiel Lavezzi, a situation which could spark the interest of Liverpool.

Ben Jefferson of the Express reported the Reds and Tottenham are interested in signing the Argentinian, who has started just eight Ligue 1 games for the French champions this season, per WhoScored.com. ESPN FC's Jonathan Johnson tweeted the demands which could impact Lavezzi's future:

However, Johnson reported that PSG officials may be against the decision to sell their versatile forward:

Blanc accused Lavezzi and team-mate Edinson Cavani of showing a "total lack of respect" after they returned to Paris late from their Christmas break, as reported by the Press Association (h/t ESPN FC).

Both players were exiled from the squad, but they appeared as substitutes during the 4-2 win over Evian on Jan. 18. Cavani scored in his 21 minutes on the pitch, while Lavezzi offered little during his 10-minute stint, per WhoScored.com.

Brendan Rodgers could be circling as he looks to strengthen his forward line. Lavezzi fits in with what Liverpool already possess—natural wide players who can score goals—so it may be more tempting to bring in an out-and-out striker.

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently discussed the pros and cons of signing the 29-year-old:

Liverpool tried to overcome the summer sale of Luis Suarez by bringing Mario Balotelli in during the summer. He is yet to score a Premier League goal this season and recently dropped out of the team after struggling with injuries and poor form.

Rodgers has tweaked his formation to 3-4-3 with Raheem Sterling or Fabio Borini in the middle of a speedy attacking trio, leaving no room for Balotelli in a formation which would suit Lavezzi if he arrived. Such prospective purchases have left many suggesting the Italian striker could leave Anfield.

Mino Raiola, Balotelli's agent, believes his client will remain at Liverpool this season, though. "Mario will stay at Liverpool, this has been a difficult season, which was also influenced by the injury he suffered," said Raiola, as reported by Sky Sport (h/t Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio).

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Lazio president Claudio Lotito recently failed to rule out a move for the player but hinted Balotelli's famous attitude problems would have to stop if he arrived in Rome:

"Balotelli? There are a lot of rumours," said Lotito, per Sean Gallagher of the MailOnline. "When I first came here, people ran away (from Lazio), now a lot of them want to come to Lazio. Whoever wants to join us must respect our standards."

Previous rumours linked Balotelli with a switch to Parma, as reported by Simon Jones of the Daily Mail. New club president Ermir Kodra recently indicated this came close to happening, telling Albanian channel Supersport (h/t La Gazzetta dello Sport and translated via Ben Gladwell of ESPN FC): "We were very close to Mario Balotelli, but we were unable to conclude the deal."

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Balotelli certainly needs to improve his performances during the second half of the season. Daniel Sturridge's return could up his goalscoring output, or indeed, relegate the player to a longer spell on the bench. Patience soon wears thin with the often lazy striker who needs to start netting regularly for Rodgers' side.

If he doesn't, you can bet Liverpool will quickly bring in someone else who does.