Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Gonzalo Higuain, Marc-Andre ter Stegen Rumours

Napoli have spoken out against the speculated departure of star striker Gonzalo Higuain as Liverpool and Arsenal stand by, watching for any developments.

Naples chief Aurelio De Laurentiis recently spoke to Sky Sport 24 about the Argentina hitman, ruling out any potential move to the Premier League (via Bruce Archer of the Daily Star):

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I have no intention of selling Higuain. We are strengthening the team and will buy other reinforcements. We have to do this in a methodical manner, not by chance. If we can’t find the right ones in January, we’ll get them in June. I know we must reinforce the midfield and the defence.

"

Salvatore Laporta/Associated Press

The Italian club president's words will come as a blow for Brendan Rodgers as he continues his search to find a viable replacement for Luis Suarez.

Archer says Higuain has "grown frustrated in Italy" and has been linked with potential moves to Merseyside and North London. 

And the striker continued his fine form on Monday night for Napoli, grabbing a brace as his team beat Genoa 2-1, with WhoScored.com highlighting Higuain's contribution to the win and his current standing in Serie A:

Rodgers appeared to have settled on the striking talents of Mario Balotelli as Suarez's replacement after his shock signing in the summer, but needless to say, the Italian international has been a complete flop and a disastrous piece of business.

The injuries to Daniel Sturridge have also expedited Rodgers desperation for attacking talent, but it appears the England international will finally be back on the field of play in the very near future.

Chris McKenna of the Daily Star reported on Monday about Rodgers' delight in having Sturridge almost available again, with the Anfield boss clearly relieved to have a genuine goalscorer back in his potential selection:

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We will see how Daniel is today. He trained very well with the team yesterday and it is as confident as he has looked. We won't risk him that is for sure. We need to make sure he is ready and feels ready.

He won't be 100 per cent when he comes back. He will need game time, but all we can do is make sure he is in the best condition he can be physically and mentally.

"

Sturridge's return is undoubtedly a huge positive, but it will only be a matter of weeks before we know if the player can take on the mantle of Suarez, in terms of responsibility, or whether Liverpool need to invest heavily in a talent such as Higuain.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

In other news, Liverpool wish to address their recent goalkeeping crisis by taking Barcelona stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on loan for the rest of the campaign.

Ben Jefferson of the Express writes Rodgers wants to "persuade" the player to come to Anfield as the manager looks to shore up his defence.

The 22-year-old has struggled for game time at the Camp Nou and despite being seen as the long-term No. 1 for Barca, the Catalan club might be open to a short-term deal, per Jefferson.

The goalkeeper has primarily featured for Luis Enrique in cup competition, with Opta highlighting his awesome performance levels:

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

And football writers Rafael Hernandez and Sergi Dominguez both commented about Ter Stegen recently, speaking about his all-round game and comparing him to Germany's No. 1:

Ter Stegen has openly spoken of his dissatisfaction of being left on the sidelines, with Jefferson quoting his recent comments on the subject:

"For now, the manager counts on me for the Cup and Champions League, but I'd like to play in the league. I want La Liga, even if [Claudio] Bravo is doing a good job."

Ter Stegen would be a good short-term option for Liverpool after the failure between the sticks of Simon Mignolet.

The Liverpool No. 1 has had a crisis of confidence this season, and he has not shown the correct levels of concentration needed to be a top Premier League goalkeeper.

In the striker's department, the return of Sturridge will definitely help Rodgers find his mojo once more, but if a player of the ability of Higuain becomes available to Liverpool, they must purchase him.

Liverpool's squad is bereft of world-class talent, and if the Anfield club has true aspirations of winning trophies every year, they must continue to invest heavily.