Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on William Carvalho and Mario Balotelli Rumours

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is reportedly eyeing a January move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho.

That's according to Italian outlet Calciomercato (h/t Joe Rimmer in the Liverpool Echo), which claims the Reds are looking to move early for the much sought-after 23-year-old.

Indeed, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal were all linked with the £32 million-rated defensive midfielder in the summer, per MailOnline's Anthony Hay.

Carvalho dazzled for Portugal at the 2015 Under-21 European Championships back in June and has been coveted by top European clubs for some time.

His combative style of play, immaculate distribution and defensive acumen would make him a perfect fit in a Liverpool midfield that is currently lacking steel and any real protection for their vulnerable back four.

Carvalho has yet to play so far this season after picking up an injury meaning—despite various spurious reports, per Sport Witness—Liverpool have been unable to track his progress with Sporting recently:

However, given that Carvalho is likely to return soon having been ruled out for up to 12 weeks in mid-July, he should be fully match fit by the time the January transfer window rolls around.

If Liverpool's interest is genuine, January would likely then be the perfect time to move for Carvalho as they may be able to get in ahead of some of his other suitors.

A poor start to the season for Rodgers and Liverpool has revealed a lack of control in the midfield and vulnerability at the back. 

Carvalho could solve both of those problems in one fell swoop and Liverpool should be prepared to splash the cash on a player who could change their fortunes this season and in the coming years.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Striker Mario Balotelli was not a game-changer for Liverpool when they bought him from AC Milan in 2014, but it looks as though the Reds may be on the verge of ridding themselves of the Italian.

He is currently on loan back at Milan and is reportedly likely to make the deal permanent at the end of 2015-16, per talkSPORT. 

He has certainly received the backing of Milan team-mate Ignazio Abate, who has tipped the 25-year-old to have a fine season at the San Siro, per Milan Channel (h/t talkSPORT): 

"Mario has been great in training and he played well in the derby. I'm sure that from here to the end he will be our hero, although he shouldn't be burdened with too many responsibilities. He must be able to find continuity, something that has been lacking so far in his career."

Should Balotelli indeed make a permanent move back to Italy in the future, it is unlikely that many tears will be shed on Merseyside after the forward failed miserably to make an impact at Liverpool.