Liverpool to bid for Lazio's Mauro Zarate?

Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of launching a bid for Lazio forward Mauro Zarate.

The Reds are desperately short of striking options after loaning Andy Carroll out to West Ham United and having Fabio Borini ruled out until the New Year with a foot fracture.

Brendan Rodgers currently has only Luis Suarez as a senior striker, but will bid for Zarate in January, according to The Metro.

The 25-year-old is also a target for Premier League rivals Stoke City, as well as Malaga and Spartak Moscow.

Zarate spent the 2007-08 season on loan at Birmingham City, where he scored four goals in 14 appearances.