Fernando Torres AC Milan 2014
Liverpool are reportedly interested in bringing Fernando Torres back. Reuters

Following their difficult 3-0 loss to Manchester United, Liverpool are stuck in ninth place on the Premier League table with a negative goal differential. And now would be as good a time as ever for manager Brendan Rodgers to seriously consider several long-speculated moves in the January transfer session.

But Reds supporters should not expect the kind of lavish spending spree they experienced during the summer, as The People reports Liverpool are looking exclusively for loan deals.

Citing the severe struggles of Mario Balotelli, Dejan Lovren and Lazar Markovic, the same report indicated Liverpool could pursue Inter Milan star midfielder Fredy Guarin.

The 28-year-old Colombian is under contract until 2017, and has an estimated market value of 14 million, a price that would likely be higher if the Reds later considered making the move permanent.

The Italian side is having similar troubles as Liverpool, and the extra funds could certainly go a long way in helping spruce up Serie A’s seventh place squad.

Guarin could also be the kind of playmaker the Reds need to jumpstart an attack that’s scored a mere 19 goals through 16 matches, well off pace compared 102 goals the squad earned all of last term.

Perhaps Guarin can also help Balotelli score his first goal of the season, but the striker may be back in Italy next month.

Daily Star reports that Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini is hoping to reunite with Balotelli, and believes he can get the most out the player’s considerable talent. Mancini and Balotelli have a spotty past, including a dust up at Manchester City, but evidently Mancini’s eager to bring the 24-year-old to San Siro.

The Star also reports that Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Balotelli, but only for 8 million, half the amount Liverpool shelled out to AC Milan in the summer.

However Rodgers could also make up that price difference but selling off little used midfielder Suso, according to Express. The 21-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the term, and Liverpool are keen to let him go for a reasonable price.

Enter AC Milan, who are looking to replace Stephen El Shaarawy after he completes a long-expected move to Borussia Dortmund.

But the Reds need to worry less about getting a return on their investments, and focus on bolstering the attack. And Liverpool could turn to a familiar face.

Exploring opportunities in Italy once again, Rodgers is apparently “plotting” a move for former Reds star Fernando Torres, according to The Star. Once one of the highest-paid and most sought after players in the world, Torres fell out of favor with Jose Mourinho and Chelsea, and is presently on loan with AC Milan.

He’s netted one goal in 10 appearances this term, thusly Milan are open to sending him back to Premier League.

It’s been three years since Torres donned a Liverpool kit, but his time at Anfield was extraordinary and another stay could rejuvenate his career. From 2007 to 2011, he totaled 65 goals in 102 appearances with the Reds.