Liverpool Transfer News: Riccardo Saponara Race Heats Up, Marco Reus Rumours

Reports linking Riccardo Saponara with a move to Anfield are gathering momentum ahead of the January transfer window, while the Reds have been listed as favourites to sign Marco Reus this winter.

Empoli ace Saponara has been associated with a move to Merseyside of late, and Italian newspaper Tuttosport claimed Liverpool will beat a host of top-flight rivals to his signature (h/t Daily Star's Rhys Turrell).

Paolo Lazzeroni_Siena_2013 PAOLO/Associated Press

That list of suitors is reported to include local rivals Everton, as well as Lazio, Milan and Napoli. Saponara was previously co-owned by Milan, but Empoli purchased his services outright earlier this year.

Having burst onto the Italian scene in Serie B during his first stint with Empoli, the 23-year-old is enjoying bright form once again. The official Juventus Twitter account illustrated his impact for his club in front of goal:

It's odd Jurgen Klopp would chase a deal for the attacking midfielder when Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho can already occupy the trequartista role, but the new boss may look to assert his influence on the club's transfers.

However, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.com, Saponara has decided to remain in Tuscany in the hope of tying down his place in the Italy squad ahead of Euro 2016 (via Football Italia).

It's also mentioned Empoli would seek "a minimum of €20 million (£14 million)" if they're to part ways with the playmaker, which could be considered hefty with the options Liverpool already possess in his position.

Another playmaking talent allegedly being eyed by Klopp is former Borussia Dortmund protege Reus, and the Merseysiders are said to be leading the suitors hoping to sign the Germany international this winter.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

That's according to SkyBet odds (via Metro's George Bellshaw), with the 26-year-old currently 6-1 to make a move to Anfield in January, while Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United lie further away in the hunt.

It's worth noting Reus is priced at 1-10 to remain at Signal Iduna Park this winter, with the bookmakers clearly confident he won't see a change in scenery halfway through Thomas Tuchel's maiden campaign in Dortmund.

The forward has been in hot form this term after netting 12 goals in 16 games across all competitions, although his progress was recently stunted after suffering a thigh injury.

Prior to that setback, however, the former Borussia Monchengladbach talisman ran rampant throughout the month of October, illustrated by OptaFranz:

While Klopp may be considered to hold some extra sway in the deal, even he is unlikely to be capable of convincing the Black and Yellows to sell their cherished star halfway through the 2015-16 campaign.

Liverpool spent huge sums renovating their attack with the arrivals of Christian Benteke, Firmino and Danny Ings this past summer, and despite shortened odds, Reus appears likely to remain a dream arrival.