Liverpool transfer speculation today focuses on manager Brendan Rodgers reportedly lining up a deal for creative Juventus playmaker Sebastian Giovinco in the new year.

The Reds boss is hoping to add more creativity to his midfield and has apparently identified the Italian international as the ideal man to do so this winter.

The diminutive star has been in and out of the Juve side since first breaking through, and though he has always been regarded as a talented player he has not always been given the opportunities to impress that he would have liked.

Skillful and quick, his profile would seem to fit in with the ethos that has been set for the side by Rodgers, with Paris Saint Germain's Javier Pastore and Derby County starlet Will Hughes also being targets (Caught Offside).

Liverpool are reported to have been one of four clubs that were trying to sign 20-year-old Nigerian International midfielder Ogenyi Eddy Onazi from Italian side Lazio this summer.

Despite their believed best efforts, Lazio refused to allow him to leave, however, Onazi has raised hopes of a move telling the Italian media: "I would jump at the chance to play in the Premier League. Liverpool? They are a huge team and are attractive to any footballer. I could see myself playing for them."

Meanwhile, Liverpool and Manchester United have reportedly been overtaken in the race to sign Atletico Madrid's burgeoning talent Koke.

Koke has been labelled as the next Xavi, and it has been mooted he could replace the midfield maestro himself after impressing Barca scouts with his performances for Atletico Madrid in La Liga this season.

But there appears to be a fresh twist in the transfer saga, with Serie A giants AC Milan reportedly surging ahead in the race for his signature.

Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo claims Milan's owner Silvio Berlusconi has already conducted exploratory talks with Atletico to see whether or not a move for Koke is feasible.

It is also understood Berlusconi is prepared to offer Koke £3.6 million a season to lure him from Atletico.

Liverpool have been dealt a blow in the chase to sign Cruzeiro star Everton Ribeiro as the Brazilian revealed he is keen to secure 'dream' move to Manchester United.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is also keen to bolster his forward options and is set to rival United with a bid for the playmaker.

It is understood that Cruzeiro are willing to sell the Brazilian for €8million (£6.7m) in January.

Source: Liverpool Echo