Liverpool FC : 7 Biggest Transfer Rumors of the Week

With less than three weeks left in December, the rumor mill is heating up.

Only three weeks remain before January, and that means there are only three more weeks until the world football transfer window reopens.

Liverpool are one of numerous European clubs that figure to be busy during the window. But who will they be after?

That's the question, isn't it?

Here are seven names that have been linked with Liverpool recently. We hope you enjoy.

Last week, the Guardian reported Liverpool's interest in a move for Newcastle's Ivorian midfielder Cheick Tioté.

Here's the catch: The deal would be part of a swap deal that would mean the return of Andy Carroll to Newcastle.

By now, you know all about Andy Carroll. If you don't know so much about Tioté, he's 25, he's a defensive midfielder, and he came to Newcastle from FC Twente in 2010.

He's compiled 21 caps for Ivory Coast with no goals. If he does come to Liverpool, he would fill the role of the injured Lucas Leiva.

You've probably already heard of Liverpool's interest in Bologna's Uruguayan playmaker Gaston Ramirez. The rumors have been out there for at least a week.

In addition to Liverpool, Ramirez has been linked to Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Barcelona. The 20-year-old is reportedly valued at £15 million.

In more recent news, Ramirez's agent has claimed Liverpool have not made contact. And as of this morning, there's at least one report that says Juventus are leading the chase.

Stay tuned. This one could get a lot more interesting in the coming weeks.

This one is slightly older, but we'll throw it in anyway.

About 10 days ago, Liverpool emerged as a potential suitor for Jadson, a Brazilian midfielder who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk. Late last week, Jadson dropped a hint that he might be heading to England soon.

As the first article pointed out, Jadson has been an Arsenal target for a long time.

Jadson would be a replacement for Lucas Leiva.

Xherdan Shaqiri impressed in Basel's 2-1 win over Manchester United last week in the Champions League.

Now, the Swiss international is becoming one of the hottest young prospects in Europe. Arsenal are long-term admirers, and now Liverpool are reportedly getting into the race.

Shaqiri, 20, would cost about £15 million.

Liverpool are being linked with a £17 million move for Fernando Reges, a member of Porto's treble-winning side of 2010-11.

The 24-year-old is yet another player being touted as a replacement for Lucas Leiva.

According to that Mail Online article, Liverpool are also looking at Celtic's Beram Kayal. He's not being linked with the Reds anywhere else.

This one also goes back a week or two, but it's a big one.

According to the Mail Online, Liverpool have been told they'll have to spend £14 million to get River Plate sensation Lucas Ocampos.

Ocampos, 17, is being touted as the new Ronaldo. Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested.

Lazar Markovic is a 17-year-old striker who's been turning heads with his performances for Partizan Belgrade.

His skills have attracted interest from Liverpool, along with Bayern Munich and Chelsea. The Guardian reckons Chelsea have the inside track, but this one is far from done.