Pablo Armero
Pablo Armero Reuters

Serie A champions Juventus have reportedly joined the race to sign Udinese defender Pablo Armero. The Colombian was previoulsy interesting Liverpool. The South American, who can operate as a centre back, left back or a winger, has been linked with a £5m move to Anfield in the summer. However, talkSport now claims the Italian champions have emerged as favourties to joine the 26 year old and will pay £8m to snap him up in January.

Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers will want to strengthen his defence, among other items on his agenda, when the mid-season window opens. And the Northern Irishman has to act soon if he wants to land the Udinese star. Armero made 28 appearances in the Serie A last season, making 10 assists. He has been capped 30 times by Colombia at the senior level and is rated at around £10m by the Italian club.

Gerrard is Role Model: Suso and Pacheco

Meanwhile, Liverpool youngsters Suso and Daniel Pacheco have revealed Reds captain Steven Gerrard is their role model.

Midfielder Suso broke into the Merseyside club's first team under Rodgers this season, securing 11 appearances so far. And when asked to name his role model, 19-year-old Suso said: "I would say Gerrard. I think he is one of the best players in the world."

"He has been playing in the Liverpool first team since he was as young as 18 years old and he is still playing. I see him every morning in training and he always wants to improve, even though he is the best player already and he has won so much at this club. So I think this is why he is one of the best examples for young players," the Spaniard added.

Suso put pen to paper on a new contract last month. His compatriot and Reds' forward Pacheco echoed the midfielder's sentiments.

"I can't say any different. At this club, Stevie is the model for everyone. He has come through the Academy and has achieved plenty. But he is trying to achieve even more. And that is amazing," Pacheco pointed out.