Liverpool to rival Tottenham in signing ex-Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez in January

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are set for a transfer battle in signing former Manchester United Javier Hernandez in the January transfer window. He left Old Trafford in the summer of 2015 and made a switch to Bayer Leverkusen.

The attacker impressed in his first season with the German club after scoring 26 goals in all competitions, which includes 17 goals in the league. He has continued his form this term as he has managed seven goals in all competitions.

According to the Mirror, the Reds and the north London club are considering an approach for the striker when the transfer window re-opens next month. Hernandez has a £33.5m ($42.1m) release clause in his Leverkusen contract.

The ex-Old Trafford star has played against Tottenham when they faced Leverkusen in the Champions League fixture. The tie in Germany ended in a goalless draw, while the return leg in England saw the Bundesliga outfit walk away with three points.

Jurgen Klopp is set to lose Daniel Sturridge in the mid-season transfer window due to lack of playing time at Anfield. The England international has several suitors, with West Ham United and Stoke City reportedly interested in signing him, claims the Guardian.

Danny Ings out for the rest of the season with a second long-term injury and Sadio Mane will represent Senegal at the African Cup of nations at the start of the year. The situation leaves the former Borussia Dortmund manager with Divock Origi as the only recognised striker in the squad, if Sturridge leaves Liverpool.

Mauricio Pochettino signed Vincent Janssen from AZ Alkmaar in July and has also the services of star striker Harry Kane, who recently committed his future to his current employers. The Dutch international has failed to impress and their failure to win matches regularly in October and November have forced them to consider in bringing a strike.

The Premier League clubs need to act quickly if they are planning to secure the Mexican international's signature. Valencia are struggling in the La Liga in the ongoing campaign and are keen on bringing him to Spain to rescue their season. They are also willing to meet his buyout clause.

Hernandez is already a proven striker in both the Premier League and the Bundesliga. Liverpool and Tottenham are hoping to bring the former United man to England with a hope that he can bolster their attacking lineup.