berisha The Daily Star has Liverpool supporters looking up from their pints this evening as they claim that the Reds are in talks to sign Norwegian prospect Valon Berisha during the winter transfer window.

The 20-year-old Red Bull Salzburg midfielder has previously been watched by representatives from Anfield as Brendan Rodgers attempts to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes next Friday.

The former Egersund and Viking player was watched by Liverpool scouts during their 3-0 friendly victory over European champions Bayern Munich last weekend, while Liverpool also scouted him during their 4-0 league win over Austria Wien last month.

After midfield starter Lucas Leiva was put out of action for two months after picking up an injury in their recent draw against Aston Villa, Rodgers is apparently moving for the Norway international now, rather than waiting until the summer.

Today’s reports suggests that former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier could help the Reds complete any transfer. Houllier, who was in charge at Anfield for six years between 1998 and 2004, is currently the global sports director at the Austrian club and it is assumed he could convince the youngster to make the switch to Anfield.

Berisha, who has already won nine caps for his country, is rated at around £2.5 million by his current side and would certainly match Rodgers’ transfer agenda of signing the best young players from across Europe.