Liverpool Transfer News: Dempsey, Damiao, Sturridge and Benayoun Involved in Deadline Day Speculation

Having allowed Andy Carroll to join West ham on loan on Thursday evening, Liverpool are desperate to add a goal scorer to their ranks before the close of the transfer window. But, with just hours now remaining before the 11 p.m. BST deadline, time is fast running out for the Reds to get a deal done.

"There's no doubt we need to add goals to the team," Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said, according to Goal.com. "Getting people who are recognized goal scorers to come in is the number one objective.

"It's very difficult to get deals done at this stage. As a manager, the earlier you can get things done the better."

Liverpool have long been chasing Fulham's attacking midfielder Clint Dempsey, but have reportedly still to make a bid for the United States international. It was revealed on Friday that Aston Villa had agreed a £7 million fee with Fulham, but Dempsey turned down the deal as he holds out for a move to Anfield, according to the BBC.

Having sold Charlie Adam to Stoke for £4 million, Liverpool may have raised sufficient funds for boss Brendan Rodgers to go out and get Dempsey. The 29-year-old is currently in limbo having failed to appear for Fulham this season as he seeks a move to a bigger club.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move to strengthen their attack with reports claiming that Daniel Sturridge may join the club on loan. The Guardian claims that Chelsea will allow the forward to leave should they complete a deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Andre Schurrle before the transfer deadline.

The England international would fit into Rodger's preferred three-man front line as he has operated from both wide positions as well as centrally. A loan deal is also likely to suit Liverpool, with transfer funds in short supply.

Some surprising speculation on Friday sees Liverpool mentioned as a potential destination for Brazil striker Leandro Damiao. Daily Mail reporter Sami Mokbel claimed that Internacional offered Damiao to Liverpool for an initial £3 million on a season-long loan with the option of a £13 million permanent deal next summer. Mokbel later claimed that the 23-year-old's wages were causing an issue.

The chances of a deal appear highly unlikely given that Tottenham have been chasing Damiao for some time, without success. As recently as this week, Internacional claimed that they had rejected an offer from Tottenham.

"He is an Internacional player until December," said president Luciano Davi, according to Goal.com. "Their offer wasn't relevant and we are not interested in selling him."

Finally, Liverpool have been linked with a move to bring former midfielder Yossi Benayoun back to the club. The Israeli is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and revealed on Twitter that he was "in talks with two premier league clubs about a loan move."

Sky Sports News have reported that Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in signing the 32-year-old, who left Anfield for Chelsea back in 2010.