Liverpool are reportedly considering a bid for Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in the January transfer window, in an attempt to solve their striker crisis.

The former Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan star will be a free agent in the summer and could therefore be available mid-season for as low as £6m. Huntelaar's talks with his club - Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 - will only start in December, meaning the two parties have little time to agree to a new deal before other clubs can approach the player. This is likely to play into the 29 year old forward's hands more than the clubs. However, Horst Heldt, the German club's general manager, remains confident of convincing the striker to sign a new deal.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
Reuters

The Dutchman has already scored eight times this season for the Germans and was particularly brilliant in the Champions League group stage game against Arsenal at the Emirates, scoring the first goal in a 2-0 win.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is desperately searching for an experienced forward man to partner Uruguay international Luis Suarez, after summer signing Fabio Borini was ruled out for three months following a fracture in an Italy U21 game.

Rodgers on Suarez

Meanwhile, Rodgers has praised Suarez for his goal and general performance against Newcastle United, in the weekend's 1-1 draw at St James' Park. The striker cancelled Frencham Yohan Cabaye's first half goal and proved to be the only bright spot in a dismal afternoon for the Reds.

"I thought he was unplayable. [Fabricio] Coloccini getting sent off was frustration," the former Swansea City manager explained, referring to the Argentine defender's red card for a challenge on his striker, "Suarez is so bright, so clever, he's a world-class striker. On that form today he really frustrates and provokes defenders. He is an absolute joy to work with. Every single day he's in to train, to get better and improve. He's still a young player and he's committed his best years to us here."

Suarez recently extended his contract with the Anfield club and has firmly established himself as the single most important player at the club. Whether or not Rodgers succeeds in luring Huntelaar to Liverpool, he will be aware it is critical that Suarez is retained.

The Reds are presently 12th in the league, with only 11 points from 10 games. Their next game is a difficult trip to Russia, to play Anzhi Makhachkala in a UEFA Europa League game.

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