Liverpool Chasing Highly-Rated English Trio in January Transfer Window – Report

Brendan Rodgers is planning a major overhaul in January as he plans to convince Thomas Ince, Daniel Sturridge and Jack Butland to make the move to Liverpool in the transfer window.

The Daily Mail has reported that the Liverpool boss is keen to complete a trio of signings in the New Year as he bids to add some depth to a squad that has been severely stretched this season.

The Reds allowed the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Maxi Rodriguez to leave on a permanent basis, while Andy Carroll was also shipped off to West Ham on a season-long loan. That has left Rodgers remarkably short of options in attack, forcing his hand to give a number of young players their debuts for the club.

With Fabio Borini out injured and Stewart Downing out-of-favour, Rodgers has promoted Raheem Sterling and Suso to the first team, leaving little in reserve.

The Mail believes that the former Swansea boss will attempt to address the issue by completing a £12million deal for Chelsea forward Sturridge, while also acquiring Blackpool winger Ince for around £6m.

Sturridge has been repeatedly linked with Liverpool, with reports earlier in the week suggesting that he would move to Anfield as long as he earned £80,000-a-week and had guarantees that he would play a central role.

However, his management company, Octagon, quickly moved to dispel the rumour of his demands, but did not say that he would not be leaving Chelsea.

"Daniel does not conduct his business in public. He also does not make demands in any negotiation, with regards to salary or playing position," read the statement.

While Sturridge has struggled to make an impact this season, the same cannot be said for Ince who would be returning to Liverpool just 18 months after leaving the club.

The England Under-21 international came through the Liverpool academy and was allowed to leave, but this was under a different management team and Rodgers is keen to bring him back to Merseyside.

Ince could also be joined by another young English prospect in Birmginham stopper Butland. The 19-year-old has been pushed into the limelight since being promoted to the senior England squad and been consistently linked with a move to a Premier League club.

With the Mail suggesting that Rodgers wants a long-term successor to current number one Pepe Reina, it seems Butland has been identified as a genuine possibility and there could be an offer arriving in January.

Rodgers has suggested that he will look to bring players in during the New Year but it remains to be seen the funds that will be made available from the American owners.