Liverpool plot double raid in signing Sergio Romero and Gonzalo Higuain

Liverpool are considering a double move in signing Sampdoria keeper Sergio Romero and Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain in January, according to the Daily Mail.

The Reds signed Mario Balotelli on a £16m deal from AC Milan last summer and the Italian international has been a flop at Anfield after he failed to score a single goal in the Premier League this season.

Sampdoria are believed to be interested in signing the former Manchester City striker and Brendan Rodgers will allow Balotelli to return to his homeland in order to bring Romero to Anfield.

The Northern Irishman has already admitted that Brad Jones' injury has forced Liverpool to enter into the transfer market by signing a goalkeeper in the ongoing transfer window. Balotelli can be used as a makeweight in securing the services of the Argentine stopper.

Romero's contract at Sampdoria runs down at the end of the season and they could allow their player to leave the club in January, rather than letting him for nothing later in the summer. Everton are also interested in Romero and could challenge the Reds in their pursuit of signing the keeper.

Balotelli's potential departure will leave Liverpool with fewer options in the attacking division. Rodgers has set his sights on replacing the Italian striker with a former Real Madrid star.

Napoli manager Rafael Benitez signed Manolo Gabbiadini from Sampdoria earlier this month. His arrival has raised questions over Higuain's future, who is believed to be closing in on completing a switch to Anfield.

Higuain is valued to be around £30m and Rodgers is willing to splash the cash in bolstering Liverpool's strike force in the ongoing transfer window. The former Swansea manager wanted Xherdan Shaqiri in January. However, the Swiss star rejected a chance to join the Merseyside club and joined Inter Milan from Bayern Munich.

Failing to land Shaqiri has seen Rodgers turn his attention on Higuain, reports the Independent. Liverpool have failed to replicate their last season's attacking prowess after Luis Suarez's departure and Daniel Sturridge's long-term injuries.

The Northern Irishman believes the addition of Higuain to Liverpool's squad will give the Reds the much needed firepower, which will help them finish in the top four and qualify for the next season's Champions League.