Liverpool's attempts to sign Shanghai Shenhua striker Didier Drogba look likely to be scuppered by Premier League registration rules, according to The Daily Mail.

The Ivorian striker will return to English shores to train following the climax of the Chinese Super League season, ahead of the African Nations Cup in January.

And Liverpool were reportedly looking to snap up Drogba on a temporary deal to assist their goal scoring problems, however a combination of obtaining Premier League permission and a blessing from his club means the deal is dead in the water.

Didier Drogba
Drogba has scored eight goals in 10 games for Shanghai.

Drogba scored 157 goals in 341 appearances for Chelsea during an eight-year career which climaxed with victory in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich's in which the 34 year old netted the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.

However, the Ivory Coast international, whose club and international exploits have earned him a place in the 32-man 2012 Ballon d'Or shortlist, left Chelsea after failing to agree a contract extension along with the likes of Salomon Kalou and Jose Bosingwa amid a raft of changes at Stamford Bridge.

After missing out on signing Clint Dempsey during the summer transfer window, Liverpool have struggled for goals this season, having scored just 12 in nine league games this term.

Furthermore, with Fabio Borini currently nursing a broken foot, Liverpool are in desperate need of additional attacking resources, with Luis Suarez currently shouldering the responsibility.

Brendan Rodgers allowed Andy Carroll to leave Anfield for a loan spell at West Ham United prior to missing out on Dempsey, who joined Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day.

Borini is unlikely to return for Liverpool until the New Year, and while his return will be welcome, his uninspiring start to the season is likely to spark Rodgers into action during the transfer window.

Such has been the lack of options for Rodgers this term; the Northern Irishman has been forced to delve into the club's academy, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Andre Wisdom and Suso all handed first-team debuts.

Former boss Kenny Dalglish's inability to spend shrewdly during the 2011 summer transfer widow, has decreased Rodgers' ability to spend at will, however, with the club languishing in 12<sup>th, the purse strings are likely to be loosened.