Liverpool Transfer News: Fresh Robert Lewandowski and Riccardo Saponara Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly lining up an audacious move for Bayern Munich's in-form striker Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish international—who used to play under Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund—is arguably Europe's most lethal attacker, and he has netted 14 goals in 11 Bundesliga appearances already this season, per WhoScored.

According to German outlet SportBild (via Eurosport's Tom Adams), the Reds are believed to have the funds to attempt to lure Lewandowski, 27, away from the Allianz Arena and Pep Guardiola.

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The forward's German agent, Maik Barthel, has confirmed there have been enquiries about Lewandowski, per SportBild (via Alex Harris in the Daily Star): "It would be wrong to say there is no interest. All of us should respect that Robert has a contract [until 2019] at FC Bayern."

His Polish agent, Cezary Kucharski, recently said only a bid of "higher than £35 million" could tempt Bayern to sell Lewandowski, per Jamie Anderson in the Daily Star.

Given that Liverpool shelled out £32.5 million on Christian Benteke in the summer, they would undoubtedly be prepared to spend over £35 million for a player of Lewandowski's quality.

The Reds' best recent performances came when they were driven on by talismanic striker Luis Suarez, and the addition of Lewandowski could return them to the upper echelons of English football.

However, it is their current position outside of the English and European elite that makes it so unlikely Lewandowski would be willing to join them from the all-conquering Bayern, the best team in Europe according to Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

Eurosport's Sven Busch acknowledges the potential draw of Klopp for the Pole, but he still believes the rumours to be "complete nonsense."

It also seems likely that Bayern would demand significantly more than £35 million, with a more realistic fee perhaps similar to the £65 million Barcelona paid Liverpool for Suarez.

A more realistic attacking target for Liverpool could reportedly be Empoli's Riccardo Saponara.

Per Italian outlet Tuttosport (h/t the Express Uche Amako), the Reds are lining up a January bid for the 23-year-old Italian having sent scouts to cast their eyes over the talented No. 10.

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They may struggle to get their man in the new year as Empoli's sporting director Marcello Carli recently insisted they would not sell anyone in January, per Calciomercato (via Amako).

But he would be worth pursuing considering his immense creative talent—he has netted four times and provided four assists in nine Serie A games this season per WhoScored.

Philippe Coutinho has borne much of the creative responsibility at Liverpool for the last two seasons.  The addition of Saponara could relieve the Brazilian somewhat and could benefit Klopp's side hugely going forward.