Liverpool transfer news: David Carmo, Max Wober, Sven Botman, Gleison Bremer latest
The Reds have been badly hit by injuries and Jurgen Klopp will be keen to bolster his squad as he bids to win multiple trophies
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Jurgen Klopp could be even more determined to bring in new signings during this January transfer window after Liverpool lost at Southampton thanks to Danny Ings’ goal, meaning it is now three games without a win and just one goal in that run.
Klopp has questioned Manchester United’s penalty record after the Reds saw two appeals rejected in the loss at St Mary’s, which now sees their rivals United able to move ahead of them at the top of the Premier League, should they win their game in hand. The losses of Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and, in the short term, Joel Matip, have left many calling for reinforcements at the back. Youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams have stepped in and performed admirably, but for the Reds to remain on course in Europe and defend their title at home, a new signing could be necessary. A proven centre-back could then boost their hopes of advancing in the Champions League knock-outs, where RB Leipzig await in the last 16.
READ MORE: How will Brexit affect the January transfer window?
Here you will find all the latest gossip, rumours and latest transfer news surrounding Anfield in what has been an unprecedented season. While Klopp is keeping his cards close to his chest for now: “We have solutions in the squad - obviously. But we are struggling still with the injuries we have at this specific moment - it is happening most of the time it is in the centre-half position. That's clear. Some players are injured, play pretty quick like Joel [Matip] and get injured again. It just can happen like this, when it starts at one point and just doesn't stop. So we have solutions in the squad but if we can do something in the window - I don't know, it's really like that. It's a very difficult transfer window, I'm sure you can imagine. Not a lot of clubs have real money, some clubs don't have money but don't need money as well - that's the situation.”
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LIVERPOOL FACING TRANSFER HURDLE
Liverpool may have to make a compromise in order to sign a centre-back this month.
A report in the Express notes that the Reds currently have 17 overseas players in their 25-man squad (the maximum allowed), which could cause some problems.
The defenders linked with a move to Anfield have mostly been non-homegrown players, so Liverpool may have to sell to make room in their squad.
Divock Origi seems like the most likely sacrifice, although the Liverpool Echo have reported that the club do not intend to force him out.
Improving the defence this month, then, may prove more challenging than expected.
REDS LINKED WITH SALZBURG DEFENDER
It’s clear that a new centre-back will be the focus of attention for Liverpool throughout the January window.
As well as Demiral, the Reds have been linked with RB Salzburg defender Maximilian Wober.
Eurosport claim that Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of the 22-year-old, who has impressed in Austria this season.
LIVERPOOL JOIN RACE TO SIGN DEMIRAL
Liverpool have emerged as contenders to sign Juventus defender Merih Demiral, according to Turkish outlet Fanatik.
The Reds are short of options at the back with both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez injured.
And they are expected to delve into the market this month, especially after last night’s defeat against Southampton which saw midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson line up in defence.
Demiral, 22, has made only five Serie A starts for Juventus this season and could be available for a fee of around £45m.
But Liverpool might face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham.
CARRAGHER NAMES ESSENTIAL SIGNING
“I can’t see Liverpool winning the league if they don’t buy a centre-back,” Carragher told Monday Night Football after the Reds lost to Southampton.
“I said that after the Everton game when (Virgil) van Dijk was injured but I think it’s a really tough ask if they don’t bring anyone in.
“The fact they played Jordan Henderson at centre-back is not going to do a lot for the two lads on the bench (Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips) and their confidence if they have two midfielders playing there. Henderson is not a centre-back. He did well, but it’s not his position.”
MILLAR SET FOR CHARLTON LOAN
Liverpool forward Liam Millar is set to join League One side Charlton Athletic on loan.
Goal report that the 21-year-old will leave Anfield until the end of the season, though he is expected to sign a new contract before the deal is completed.
Millar could make his debut for Charlton as early as Friday against Accrington Stanley.
WIJNALDUM ‘TOP TARGET’ FOR BARCELONA
Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is amongst Barcelona’s ‘top three’ targets, according to Sky Sports.
Signing the Dutchman in January is likely to be a “difficult task”, though, and the Catalan club are expected to wait until the summer.
Wijnaldum’s contract at Anfield is set to expire at the end of the season, which could mean he is available on a free transfer.
And he is a favourite of Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman, who coached the 30-year-old while in charge of the Dutch national team.
PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE RACE: FIXTURES
Liverpool: Manchester United (H), Burnley (H), Tottenham (A), West Ham (A), Brighton (H), Man City (H)
Manchester United: Burnley (A), Liverpool (A), Fulham (A), Sheffield United (H), Arsenal (A), Southampton (H)
Man City: Brighton (H), Crystal Palace (H), Aston Villa (H), Sheffield United (A), West Brom (H), Burnley (A)
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