Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Alexandre Pato and January Rumours

Corinthians have denied reports they have agreed a deal with Liverpool for Alexandre Pato, after it was suggested the Brazilian is heading for Anfield.

Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb.com (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star) reported the attacker would join coach Jurgen Klopp in January for £14.3 million, but the Brazilian club's president Roberto de Andrade has refuted the claims, per SporTV (h/t ESPN FC): "Corinthians have received nothing. Nothing concrete has arrived."

Liverpool have struggled in front of goal since Klopp replaced former boss Brendan Rodgers at the club, and Pato would give reinforcement to a part of the pitch hit by injury and poor form.

Danny Ings and Daniel Sturridge have both been absent, and Christian Benteke is slowly finding his way to full match fitness. 

Andre Penner/Associated Press

Melissa Reddy of Goal.com said Liverpool have "distanced themselves" from a move for the Brazilian, who departed European football in 2012 after a five-year spell with AC Milan. 

Pato has been on loan at Sao Paulo for 18 months after falling out of favour at his parent club, and he has found the net on 37 occasions since the move, per Reddy.

Writer Ahmed Wagih recently shared a video of Pato's scoring form for his loan club:

Despite the fresh reports, Pato desires a move back to Europe, and has stated his belief he will depart Sao Paulo, per Uche Amako of the Express:

"

I will not stay in Sao Paulo next year. I watched an interview with [interim Sao Paulo president] Leco and he said it is very difficult to sign me.

I want to help Sao Paulo in this final stretch, these five very important games, because I want to put the team into the Copa Libertadores.

I see no problem. I'm a professional and I have to always do my job.

I want to devote my best to them and go on vacation with a feeling of accomplishment.

"

Paolo Lazzeroni/Associated Press

If Liverpool opt against a move for Pato, reports suggest Klopp will try to sign Riccardo Saponara from Empoli.

The player has been in excellent goalscoring form in Serie A this season, and he would offer the Reds a threat from deep.

Website Tuttosport.com (h/t Will Giles of Metro) said Liverpool could do business with Empoli if they meet his valuation of £14.2 million, and a transfer in January is possible.

The 23-year-old has scored four goals in eight Serie A matches, also assisting three times, according to WhoScored.com. 

Besides the stunning win at Chelsea, Liverpool have lacked threat in the Premier League this term, as Klopp tries to find the best formula to hit the back of the net more.

The two players have unique skill sets and would fit into the manager's preferred style of play, but Liverpool have to find a striker who can offer coverage while Sturridge's persistent injury problems continue.