John Guidetti
Reuters

Liverpool are planning a January swoop for forgotten Manchester City striker John Guidetti, according to the Metro.

The 21-year-old has been struggling with injuries over his course at the Etihad and has been told that he will find it difficult to warrant a starting spot should he choose to extend his stay. Liverpool are believed to be favourites to land the striker, who can play upfront and on the wings and will provide some much needed depth to the squad after summer signing Iago Aspas failed to make his mark in the Premier League.

However, the Reds will face competition from French giants Monaco and Turkish side Trabzonspor but are yet to make official contact with City on the same. The Sweden international is determined to stay in the Premier League, which tilts the tide in Liverpool's favour. The youngster has impressed during his loan spell at Feyenoord where he scored 20 goals in 23 appearances and has been attributed to have a keen eye for goal. City are expected to sell for a fee in the range of £5m, which will be a bargain for Brendan Rodgers.

However, Manuel Pellegrini is appreciative of the player's attitude while coming back from injury but refused to speculate on his future in the long run. The former Malaga manager has an embarrassment of riches in the striking department with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Alvaro Negredo, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic hitting top form.

"John starts this week working normally with the whole squad. So that is very good news for him and for the team and we see in the future what will happen with him. We must see how he improves every week. There is a lot of time with injuries so we will see," the Chilean manager said.

City are currently fourth in the Premier League with 16 points, three points behind league leaders Arsenal. Pellegrini will travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday to play Chelsea which is likely to be their biggest test thus far away from home in the Premier League, having already lost to Aston Villa and Cardiff City on their travels.