Liverpool Consider January Bid for Promising Dutch Winger – Report

Liverpool are contemplating making an offer to Benfica for winger Ola John who has struggled to make an impact at the Portuguese club since joining in the summer of 2012.

John, the brother of former Fulham striker Collins, made the move to Benfica for an initial fee of €9m after scoring eight league goals in 33 league games for Dutch outfit FC Twente.

The 21-year-old was also a member of the Twente side that won the KNVB Cup in 2011 and his impressive performances for his club saw him become a regular for Holland at youth level.

He was then called up to the senior side by Bert van Marwijk for a friendly against England in 2012 and eventually made his debut for Holland against Italy in February of this year.

The Liverpool Echo report that Brendan Rodgers is considering making an offer to Benfica for the winger in Janaury as he looks to add more depth to a squad that is competing for a top four finish.

John has started just 18 games for Benfica since joining the club abut it appears as though manager Jorge Jesus does not see him as a player who will regular start this season.

Ajax are believed to be keen to offer John the chance to return to Holland on loan but it is believed that he would prefer a permanent move, which may well put Liverpool in pole position to land the talented winger.

There is a lack of genuine wingers available to Rodgers this season after the sale of Stewart Downing, with youngsters Raheem Sterling and Jordan Ibe the only two natural wide men in the squad., while Victor Moses appears more comfortable playing in a front three or behind a striker.

John's pace and power would certainly provide Rodgers with a different option but it remains to be seen how much Liverpool have to pay as John has a release clause of €45m in his contract.