Liverpool: Fiorentina allow Giuseppe Rossi to leave club on loan in January transfer window

Fiorentina will allow former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi to leave the club on loan during the January transfer window, amid reported interest from Liverpool.

Rossi, who spent three years on United's books between 2004 and 2007, has been blighted by knee problems in recent years but returned to action for La Viola in August 2015. While his club have enjoyed a sensational campaign, currently sitting just a point off Serie A leaders Inter Milan, the former Villarreal hitman has played a peripheral role in that rise, failing to score in his nine league appearances this term.

With Fiorentina unable to make any promises over his role in the team, the club's executive vice-chairman Mario Cognigni admits they will consider greenlighting a loan move, although they have ruled out the possibility of a permanent transfer.

"He has to understand at this time, if he wants to play elsewhere, we would like to think he will return," Cognigni said to Corriere Fiorentino. "And in the future he could be of even greater value for Fiorentina."

Gazzetta dello Sport and the Liverpool Echo have both claimed Liverpool hold an interest in signing the New Jersey-born striker during the winter mercato.

While Jurgen Klopp has been reluctant to discuss the club's plans in the January transfer window, the Reds' shortcomings up front have been a growing concern. With Daniel Sturridge currently sidelined again, Divock Origi – a favoured option in the Reds starting XI under Klopp struggling with a hamstring injury – and Danny Ings a long-term absentee, the club have been left with the sole option of Christian Benteke up front.

Liverpool's tally of 22 goals from their opening 20 Premier League games is an all-time low for the club, beating the previous mark of 23 goals after 20 games in the 1970-71 and 1923-24 seasons.