Last Updated: Sat, 13 Oct 2012 13:13
Brendan Rodgers will reportedly try and take Celtic striker Gary Hooper to Liverpool in January to boost his forward options.
The Reds' chief has been hit by a myriad problems to his attacking line-up since the start of the season after he failed to bring in cover for Andy Carroll, who was allowed to join Premier League rivals West Ham on a season-long loan.
Fabio Borini is the latest injury victim after it emerged that he suffered a broken a bone in his foot while away with Italy's Under-21 squad this past week which leaves Luis Suarez as the only recognised senior striker available to Rodgers.
Youngsters Daniel Pacheco, Samed Yesil and Adam Morgan seem best placed to stake a claim for a starting role, but Rodgers is also keen to bring in some proven quality when the transfer window opens in the New Year.
And, 24-year-old Hooper, who has scored a prolific 46 goals in 70 appearances for the Scottish Premier League champions since joining from Scunthorpe in a £2.4million deal in summer 2010, seems to be his top target.
His performances north of the border have resulted in calls for England boss Roy Hodgson to give him a call-up to the senior squad, while Southampton were heavily linked with a swoop in the summer. But Rodgers could now be ready to step up his interest with a view to enticing Hooper to Anfield in January.
Celtic will be reluctant to lose such a key player, while Hooper might snub a move to Liverpool if the Bhoys manage to secure a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
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