Liverpool join Monaco and AC Milan in race to sign Besiktas striker Demba Ba in January

Liverpool are considering a shock move to bring former Chelsea striker Demba Ba to the Premier League in January, according to the Turkish newspaper AMK.

The 29-year-old left the west London club and joined Besiktas earlier in the summer after he was made aware that his services at Stamford Bridge were no longer required by Jose Mourinho.

The Reds are struggling this season after allowing Luis Suarez to leave who joined Barcelona. Besides, Daniel Sturridge is injured. The latter last featured for the Merseyside club in August and since then has been out of action with multiple injuries.

Brendan Rodgers has Rickie Lambert, Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini as the first choice strikers in the squad in Sturridge's absence. The former Manchester City striker has struggled and is yet to score in the Premier League this season.

Ba, on the other hand has bagged 15 goals from 17 appearances in all competitions for the Besiktas. He has helped his side to sit on top of the table and is currently the third top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig.

The Senegalese international's form has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe. The former Swansea boss has set his sights on Ba and is preparing a move to bring him back to England when the transfer window re-opens on 1 January.

The prospect of returning to the Premier League could tempt Ba and he could consider his options, if Liverpool make a firm approach for his services.

Any move from Liverpool for the striker's services will not be an easy task as the Anfield club will face competition from AS Monaco and AC Milan. According to talkSPORT, the Italian giants are ahead of the Reds in signing Ba.

However, Besiktas are reluctant to let their top scorer leave in January and are keen on retaining their star player beyond the January transfer window.