Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Close to Agreeing Deals for Sturridge and Ince; Long Coy on Anfield Move

Dec 12, 2012 12:41 AM EST

Liverpool have moved ever closer to sealing the signings of Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge and Thomas Ince of Blackpool.

According to the widespread reports, negotiations with Chelsea and Blackpool are at an advanced stage as Rodgers looks to complete his transfer business as quickly as possible.

Liverpool have desperately been on the lookout for strikers, with Luis Suarez currently their only option up front.

The Reds will pay around £12 million ($19 million) for Sturridge, with the England international set to sign a lucrative contract.

Rodgers almost made a move for Sturridge in the summer, but the deal fell through at the last minute.

However the Liverpool manager has retained his interest in the 23-year-old, who is yet to prove himself on a consistent basis in the English Premier League, and is ready to complete the signing as soon as the window opens on Jan. 1.

Ince, the son of former Liverpool and Manchester United player Paul, is a former Liverpool talent, who left the club 18 months ago, after failing to agree a deal. However the 20-year-old, who will turn 21 next month, is seen as one of the brightest young talents outside the Premier League, and Liverpool have quickly moved to agree terms on a move in January.

The Anfield club will part with £6 million ($9.5 million) for Ince, who has also been extensively tracked by the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham.

Meanwhile, another Liverpool target Shane Long was coy when asked about the reports linking him with a move to Anfield.

"I'm just concentrating on my football, I'm enjoying playing up front, I love my job," he said.

"It's very enjoyable at the moment and I'll let the rumors take care of themselves."

Along with Long, the likes of Theo Walcott, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Darren Bent and Bafetimbi Gomis have been linked with moves, but it now seems unlikely that Rodgers will look to buy another striker, after delving into the market for Sturridge and Ince.

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