Liverpool Transfer News: Alexandre Pato Fee, Khouma Babacar Blow, Top Rumours

Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato could be available for an £11 million fee, but Liverpool will face competition from a host of Premier League clubs if they move for the player.   

Tom Collomosse of the London Evening Standard reported Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have both been "offered" the former AC Milan star ahead of the January transfer window as Corinthians look to cash in on his recent excellent form. 

The striker has been on loan at Sao Paulo, and he has once again come to the attention of Europe's top clubs after returning to South America in 2012. 

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Collomosse noted Pato's representatives are "working on a deal to move him to England at the start of next year."

The 26-year-old was rated as one of Brazil's great talents of the future when he was a teenager, but injuries and poor form saw his status decline in Italian football. 

Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb.com (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star) previously reported Pato would join the Reds in January for £14.3 million, but Corinthians President Roberto de Andrade refuted the claims, per Brazilian outlet SporTV (h/t ESPN FC): "Corinthians have received nothing. Nothing concrete has arrived."

Melissa Reddy of Goal.com added Liverpool were distancing themselves from the player, but the news of Pato's expected transfer value would likely see a number of English clubs show interest. 

Pato confirmed he would look favourably on a move back to Europe, and he has stated his belief he will depart Sao Paulo in the near future, per Uche Amako of the Daily 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.

"

Pato has 27 caps for Brazil, according to Collomosse, and his age and form make him a viable target for ambitious clubs. The player did not previously hit the world-class heights expected from him, but a stage such as Anfield would be a fitting venue for his flair and skill. 

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If Liverpool pass on Pato, they will not be turning to Fiorentina striker Khouma Babacar, who was recently targeted by the club, according to Warren Haughton of talkSPORT.

Radio Sportiva (h/t Joe Short of the Daily Express) reported the player's agent, Patrick Bastianelli, said Babacar will remain with the Italian club despite a lack of playing time:

"

Babacar signed a new contract in the summer and has since demonstrated his love for the club.

He isn’t fazed by the fact he isn’t playing all the time. This will not change his mind.

His goal right now is to climb up the squad’s hierarchy and convince coach Paulo Sousa to find space for him on the field.

Fiorentina want him and he wants to remain.

"

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However, manager Jurgen Klopp could strengthen his midfield with a move for Lazio's Lucas Biglia, but the 29-year-old has a long list of suitors. 

TalkSPORT (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star) said Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United all want the experienced Argentinian, but Real Madrid are also eyeing his talents. 

Pato would be an affordable addition for Klopp, and with the club's Brazilian contingent starting to blend together, the attacker would add weight to the German coach's options. 

Liverpool were on fire against Manchester City as they romped to a 4-1 win, and the technical qualities of Pato would complement Klopp's current squad. 

However, Biglia would be a shrewd move, adding a solidity to Liverpool's midfield as the attacking group pour forward on the counter.