Liverpool Transfer News: Llorente, Tello, Vietto and Stegen Involved in Latest Speculation

Liverpool are set to face serious competition if they are to end their search for a goal-scorer with a move for Fernando Llorente. Milan have joined Liverpool, Arsenal, Barcelona and Juventus in the pursuit of the Athletic Bilbao hitman, according to TalkSport.

Brendan Rodgers is desperate to bring in a forward after allowing Andy Carroll to leave on-loan to West Ham and subsequently failing to recruit a replacement on the final day of the summer transfer window. With just Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini as established strikers in the squad, Liverpool's struggles in front of goal have been all too evident in the opening weeks of the Premier League season.

Spain international Llorente is believed to be high on Rodgers' list of targets. The 27-year-old has less than a year remaining on his contract at San Mames and has been involved in public and acrimonious discussions over his future. Athletic have so far refused to negotiate on the player's €35 million (£28m) release clause.

But with Llorente available for a free transfer next summer, Athletic could well agree to a cut-price deal in January.

According to TalkSport, reports in Italy claim that Milan officials have met with Llorente's agent to discuss a move to the San Siro. Given that Liverpool owner John W Henry has made it clear that he wants the club to focus on buying players at the younger end of the market, a move for Llorente may be unlikely. While Llorente's transfer fee may not be exorbitant, he is also sure to demand a large salary.

Another report from TalkSport claims that Liverpool will have to forget about signing young Barcelona winger Cristian Tello. The 21-year-old is set to sign a new contract at Camp Nou, according to the report.

Liverpool were heavily linked to the Spain Under-21 international during the summer after he was told he would only be registered with the Barcelona B team this season. However, Tello has subsequently been involved with the first team in the early weeks of the campaign.

In Wednesday's Daily Mirror, Liverpool have been linked with a move for Argentinian teenager Luciano Vietto. According to the report, Liverpool will vie for the signing of the £4-million-rated Racing Club midfielder with Italian giants Juventus.

The 18-year-old has come further under the microscope from Europe's top clubs following a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over San Martin de San Juan last week.

There has also been further speculation in recent days about the future of Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. The Spaniard has come under scrutiny of late after some high-profile errors to start the season. The Daily Mirror claims that Rodgers is now losing patience with the 30-year-old.

The Sunday People even reported that Rodgers is now pursuing Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The 20-year-old is highly rated in his homeland and has already appeared twice for his country.

Once regarded as one of the Premier League's finest goalkeepers following his move from Villareal in 2005, Reina has become increasingly susceptible to making costly mistakes between the sticks.

According to the Mirror, Rodgers could also make a move for his former goalkeeper at Swansea, Michel Vorm.