The Reds are set to bid £12m for the Montenegro international after struggling for goals this season, with Balotelli and Lambert expected to leave
Liverpool boss Rodgers is launching a cut-price £12million bid for Montenegro international forward Jovetic, who will be allowed to leave the Etihad this summer.
Rodgers is determined to shake up his strike-force this summer with £16m flop Mario Balotelli, a target for Sampdoria, and local-lad Rickie Lambert, who is being linked with promoted Bournemouth, both set to leave Anfield.
Jovetic joined City two years ago from Fiorentina for £22m but has failed to establish himself as a regular and this season was axed from their Champions League squad for the competition's knockout phase.
City want to clear-out their squad too, with fellow striker Edin Dzeko also likely to go - German club Wolfsburg are ready to make a move and he's also been linked with Chelsea as a replacement for 36-year-old club legend Didier Drogba.
Rodgers has already admitted his summer priority is a top-class striker and Liverpool have been keen on Jovetic in the past - as we told you in February.
The 25-year-old would represent a major signing as he could play alongside Daniel Sturridge when the England international is fit again, and also offer competition and back-up.
Liverpool are also expected to land Burnley striker Danny Ings once his contract expires this summer.
Series A champions and European Cup finalists Juventus are hoping to take Jovetic, who has also been linked with Inter Milan, back to Italy but Liverpool are already lining up the deal.