Liverpool and Everton set for January battle in signing Sampdoria keeper Sergio Romero

Liverpool and Everton are set for a January battle in signing Sampdoria goalkeeper Sergio Romero, according to talkSPORT.

The 26-year-old has little over less than six months left on his contract and is now allowed to hold talks with foreign clubs over having a pre-contract agreement for a summer transfer.

Sampdoria are willing to cash in on the player by allowing him to leave this month, rather than letting him go for nothing after the end of the season. While, Brendan Rodgers is hoping to save Liverpool's season by bringing in reinforcements in the January transfer window and is hoping to land Romero.

He impressed with his display during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he was outstanding with his display for Argentina, who lost to Germany in the finals. The keeper was a summer target for Liverpool arch rivals Manchester United.

The Merseyside club have the services of Simon Mignolet and Brad Jones as the two keepers in the squad. The Australian has not been a regular inclusion in the Reds' starting lineup, while the former Sunderland stopper has been under heavy criticism for his poor display this season.

The former Swansea manager needs to improve competition in the squad and has now set his sights on landing the Argentine international in the mid-season transfer window. Any move for Liverpool for Romero will see them face competition from derby rivals Everton.

The Toffees goalkeeper Tim Howard has picked up a calf injury and will be out of action for six weeks. The former United man's absence has forced Roberto Martinez to invest in signing a stopper in January.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has hinted that the Goodison Park outfit could sign a defender in the ongoing window.

"Tim Howard will be out between five and six weeks with a calf injury. I thought Joel was very calm against Stoke and did well against Newcastle. But we will assess whether we need cover," Martinez said.