Liverpool Transfer News: Mauro Icardi Plan Hatched, Fresh Alexandre Pato Rumours

Liverpool have plans in place to capture Inter striker Mauro Icardi ahead of his other European suitors this winter, while talks have reportedly begun to lure Corinthians attacker Alexandre Pato to Anfield.

According to Spanish website Fichajes, the Reds will look to use new manager Jurgen Klopp as a marketing tool in their bid to lure Icardi to Merseyside (h/t Daily Star's Jack Wilson). 

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Arsenal and Chelsea are mentioned as being among the clubs interested in a deal for the Argentina international, meaning respective managers of those clubs, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho, could pose big competition.

Icardi has been far from the form that saw him net 27 goals in all competitions last season and Serie A reporter Marco Messina recently cited Italian newspaper Tuttosport, which claimed Inter are concerned with their captain:

The 22-year-old was rewarded with the club's armband by manager Roberto Mancini following last season's exploits, but the fear may now be that Icardi can't maintain those standards.

OptaPaolo showed the forward still sits among Italy's most prolific talents, but that's largely owing to the form he displayed last term, where he averaged more than a goal every other game:

Liverpool have spent big on their attack in recent months, but the fitness of England international Daniel Sturridge could be a concern, while summer signing Danny Ings has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

Klopp must therefore rely upon Christian Benteke as his main option in attack when, but Icardi would present another option.

Matilde Campodonico/Associated Press

Pato could be another option for the Reds, and it appears a deal is there to be had following a report from Spanish magazine Don Balon, which insists Liverpool are in "advanced talks" to sign the player (h/t Daily Star's Wilson).

Again, winter competition for the forward is said to be rife, with Manchester United and Arsenal mentioned as suitors. Real Madrid TV presenter Phil Kitromilides and Spanish football writer Rafael Hernandez commented on speculation linking La Liga giants Barcelona with Pato:

It's alleged that former Milan starlet Pato will complete a move back to Europe in January, and Wilson provided quotes from the 26-year-old following a late summer bid for his signature from United:

"I won't lie: Two hours before the deadline I had a really good offer from Manchester United. I was expecting it, but actually only found out about it afterwards."

Pato scored 15 goals in 46 appearances for Sao Paulo on loan from Corinthians this season, and the Brazilian outfit's willingness to cut a deal may make him a tantalising option ahead of the January window.