Liverpool mull January bids

Liverpool are are examining a group of players at the French side Lille, with the central defender Adil Rami a possible target for January, according to sources in France.

Rami, who appeared for France against England at Wembley last week, has become a permanent fixture for Laurent Blanc, and Roy Hodgson saw him play in the 2-1 win over Monaco which took Lille to the top of the French league. France Football magazine cites Rami as a prime target, though the Ivorian wide man and forward Gervinho also impressed in that game, while the Belgian striker Eden Hazard was responsible for both Lille goals.

Hazard also impressed hugely in the first leg of Liverpool's Europa League tie at Stade-Lille Metropole last season, though Liverpool's director of football strategy Damien Comolli - who left Saint Etienne to take the job at Anfield - is all too aware of the £30m price tag which prevented Lyons signing him this summer.

Though the signing of Rami - who like other Lille players Liverpool have been watching for five months - would appear to plug a gap at a club who are currently one defender down, there is hope at Anfield that Daniel Agger will be back within three weeks. A second striker is the top priority, which is why 23-year-old Gervinho is considered a prospect for a club for whom young acquisitions are essential. Moussa Sow, Lille's 23-year-old Senegalese striker, has scored nine goals in 13 games this season though it is unclear whether he is a contender.

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