Transfer Talk: Balotelli, Lambert out, Higuain in at Anfield? Dzeko to Stoke?

Could Edin Dzeko be set for a shock Stoke City switch?

The Monday newspapers are full of Liverpool striker transfer chatter, could it be all change at Anfield?

Crystal Palace and West Brom are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert after the Reds put him up for sale.

The 32-year-old has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since moving back to Merseyside in the summer, making the majority of his appearances from the bench and scoring just twice.

Boss Brendan Rodgers is now said to be considering letting Lambert leave this month and the Daily Mirror claims both Crystal Palace and West Brom have registered their interest as they look for some extra firepower.

Lambert may not be the only striker to leave Liverpool in January, with Mario Balotelli once again being linked with a return to Italy as Juventus consider taking him on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent 14million deal, according to The Times.

Should the Reds offload Balotelli and Lambert then the Daily Express claims they will use the money to fund deals for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain and Sampdoria goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

Despite being a success since his move to Italy from Real Madrid in 2013, Higuain is rumoured to have been made available by the Azzurri and Liverpool could try to tempt them into a sale by offering Napoli Lucas Leiva and a sizeable cash sum.

Away from Liverpool, and West Brom are said to be weighing up a 5million deal for Wigan forward Callum McManaman.

The Daily Mirror says Albion boss Tony Pulis has earmarked McManaman, who has scored five times in 23 matches for the Championship side this season.

Moving on to one of Pulis' former clubs and Stoke are reported to have a launched an ambitious move to take Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko on loan.

With Oussama Assaidi's loan stay at the Britannia Stadium having come to an end, the Potters are able to bring in another Premier League player on a temporary basis.

The Stoke Sentinel says boss Mark Hughes has targeted Dzeko, who could fall even further down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium once Wilfried Bony completes his move to the Premier League champions.

Another player being linked with a move away from City this month is Matija Nastasic, and the Daily Mail claims West Ham have entered the race for the Serbian defender.

German side Schalke had been the favourites to sign Nastasic but the Hammers are alleged to have gazumped their offer as boss Sam Allardyce lines up a replacement for the outgoing Winston Reid.