Asmir Begovic and Jackson Martinez targeted by Liverpool?

The weekend tabloids have linked Liverpool with January transfer window moves for Stoke City and Bosnia goalie Asmir Begovic, plus Porto’s Colombia frontman Jackson Martinez in a potential spending spree that could exceed £40m.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers saw star striker Luis Suarez sold to Barcelona over the summer and partner Daniel Sturridge sidelined by injury since.

Goals have this been hard to come by for the Merseyside outfit, as alternative options Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert are all yet to score in the Premier League.

Dangerous Dragons attacker Martinez, 28, could be the answer after netting 72 times in 108 appearances since moving to Portugal in the summer of 2012.

Originally signed to replace the goals of compatriot Radamel Falcao and Brazilian star Hulk, he has averaged 30 strikes across all competitions in the last two seasons.

Previously linked with Liverpool’s top four rivals Arsenal, Martinez is rated at £30m, meaning Reds boss Rodgers would probably have to offload a striker this winter both to balance the books and make space in the squad.

Italy international pair Balotelli (Napoli) and Borini (Inter Milan) have both been regularly linked with returning to Serie A because of their struggles up front at Anfield.

At the back, meanwhile, Liverpool have conceded 15 times in 11 league outings, which has led to criticism of current first-choice keeper Simon Mignolet.

Former Barca and Spain stopper Victor Valdes had been linked with a free transfer switch to Anfield once he recovered from a serious knee injury, but Coral now understand attention has turned to Potters custodian Begovic.

Reports claim Stoke would not entertain selling the 27-year-old for less than £10m, having quoted £15m when the Reds were last interested in Begovic back in the summer of 2013.

Any exit from the Britannia for the Bosnia number one would finally pave the wave for England Under-21 captain Jack Butland to get regular Premier League football, with Danish veteran Thomas Sorensen in reserve.