Ezequiel Lavezzi Liverpool Transfer Close, Ruben Neves Eyed in Latest Reds News

Ezequiel Lavezzi's transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Liverpool "looks set to be completed" before the transfer window ends on Feb. 2, according to Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express (via Peter Guy of the Liverpool Echo).

It is suggested Reds boss Brendan Rodgers will pay £14 million for the Argentinian, who has fallen out of favour at the Parc des Princes. Such speculation follows on from Lavezzi being dropped from Laurent Blanc's squad after returning to Paris late from his Christmas break, as reported by the Press Association (h/t ESPN FC).

Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC recently suggested Blanc no longer wants to work with the 29-year-old forward:

Lavezzi has largely failed to replicate his Napoli form during the two seasons he's spent at PSG. He netted three Ligue 1 goals in 28 appearances during the 2012-13 campaign, nine in 31 last year and two in 15 so far this season, per WhoScored.com. His versatility perhaps makes him an attractive prospect to Rodgers, who has turned Liverpool's fortunes around with his switch to a 3-5-2.

Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

This is a formation Lavezzi can easily fit in with. Like Raheem Sterling, he can slot into any of the three forward positions, either on the flank or through the middle. His arrival would likely spell greater problems for the hapless Mario Balotelli, who is yet to score in the Premier League since joining Liverpool during the summer.

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently considered whether Lavezzi is a worthwhile purchase for the Anfield club:

Rodgers is also said to be on the trail of Porto youngster Ruben Neves, a player who has impressed after breaking into the first team this season. As reported by the Daily Mirror (h/t the Irish Independent), Liverpool recently deployed scouts to watch the £29 million-rated player.

Luis Castro, head coach of Porto B, described Neves' rapid rise to the club's senior team, as reported by Tom Kundert of the Daily Mirror:

"

People talk about technical and tactical ability, but Ruben Neves is incredibly talented from the mental point of view. He plays with an extraordinary calmness; he knows what each game situation calls for. It makes no sense to talk about the continuing maturing process in the under-19 and B teams. When a player completes his development in a sustained manger it’s because he has already acquired this maturity.

"

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Rodgers is likely to be hunting future midfield leaders now that Steven Gerrard's summer departure is confirmed. Neves is already a quality holding player at the age of 17 and has the potential to become one of the world's best. He has Champions League experience and is likely to break into the Portuguese national squad before too long.

While it appears the potential transfer of Lavezzi is edging closer, Rodgers needs to continue scoping out signings who can be picked up in the summer. Neves may be a possibility, but he's the kind of talent who will quickly get snapped up elsewhere if not.

Liverpool fans are likely to welcome Lavezzi's reported arrival, but they can be forgiven for still wanting an out-and-out goalscorer to lead the forward line.