Liverpool transfer news: Kylian Mbappe, David Alaba, Merit Demiral, Sven Botman latest
Jurgen Klopp is in the market for defensive reinforcements after a spate of injuries at Liverpool
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Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool are hoping to strengthen their title defence during the January transfer window after a spate of injuries this season has thrown the Premier League wide open.
Jurgen Klopp watched his side struggle to defeat at Southampton on Monday night to miss out on the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table, and second-place rivals Manchester United now have a game in hand as well as the same points tally, while Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are lurking on their shoulders.
It has been a tough start to the campaign for Liverpool, not only due to their wavering results but also the shock of so many injuries to key players including centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. Players to have spent significant time on the sidelines also include captain Jordan Henderson, goalkeeper Alisson Becker, summer signing Thiago Alcantara, fellow new recruit Diogo Jota, and midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The injuries at centre-back have been particularly damaging, to the point were Klopp is now considering a winter foray into the transfer market. High on his list is Bayern Munich’s David Alaba, who can leave the German champions this summer for free when his contract runs out, though signing him this month may prove too difficult.
That is why Juventus defender Merih Demiral is also thought to be on Liverpool’s radar, although it is thought the Italian champions are reluctant to let their talented Turkish international depart.
And of course there are rumours that the Anfield club are lining up a spectacular move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe in the summer. What a signing that would be.
We will have all the latest Liverpool news, rumours and gossip - on both comings and goings - throughout the day.
LIVERPOOL’S MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
Liverpool’s most valuable player is Trent Alexander-Arnold, with CIES Football Observatory’s study valuing the England international at £137million (€151.6m).
Other players on the list include:
- Marcus Rashford (€165.6m)
- Erling Haaland (€152m)
- Bruno Fernandes (€151.1m)
- Kylian Mbappe (€149.4m)
- Jadon Sancho (€148.3m)
- Mohamed Salah (€134m)
- Sadio Mane (€123.8m)
- Andrew Robertson (€93.5m)
- Roberto Firmino (€87.4m)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes rival managers draw attention to Manchester United's number of penalties in order to influence referees, following pointed comments by Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho.
After Liverpool’s defeat by Southampton at St Mary’s on Monday night, Klopp claimed that United had won more penalties in the past two years than his side had during his five-year tenure at Anfield.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suggests rival managers are attempting to ‘influence referees’
Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho both highlighted the number of penalties United have been awarded
LIVERPOOL LINKED WITH RAMOS
Liverpool have been linked with a surprise move for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.
The 34-year-old is out of contract in the summer and El Chiringuito TV claim Liverpool are considering an approach as they search for defensive reinforcements.
FORMER LILLE DIRECTOR DOESN’T EXPECT JANUARY MOVE FOR BOTMAN
Lille’s former Director Luis Campos has claimed Sven Botman is unlikely to leave the club this month amid speculation over a potential move to Liverpool.
The Reds are searching for defensive reinforcements after losing both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez to long-term injuries.
But Campos admitted he doesn't expect Botman to leave in January after the big money sale of Victor Osimhen from Lille to Napoli last summer.
"I do not forsee that there will be transfers in January, with the value of debt of Victor Osimhen," he said on the Transfer Window Podcast. "Botman is a player with a big potential, I believe next season he will play in the highest level, but economically, this is not the time for this sort of price, like Victor Osimhen.”
SWANSEA INTERESTED IN LIVERPOOL TARGET
Swansea have 'made contact' with Arsenal over a potential January deal for Liverpool target Folarin Balogun, according to Football Insider.
The 19-year-old striker, whose contract is set to expire in the summer, has been linked with a move to Anfield.
But Swansea reportedly want to take the youngster on loan, with his long-term future still very much up in the air.
LIVERPOOL PLAYER SALES EXCEED £300M IN PAST FIVE YEARS
Only Chelsea have made more money from player sales over the last five years than Liverpool.
With the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Christian Benteke shipped out, the Reds have made a total of £331.5m, allowing them to invest in the players that ultimately took Jurgen Klopp's side to the Premier League title.
Chelsea, according to GiveMeSport, are ahead of Liverpool, though, with total sales of £556.34m, significantly more than any club in the division.
SALAH REAL MADRID’S ‘NUMBER ONE TARGET’
Mohamed Salah has emerged as Real Madrid's 'number one target', according to talkSPORT.
The Egyptian, who has 13 Premier League goals to his name so far this season, was rumoured to be unhappy last month, though Jurgen Klopp dismissed such speculation.
It would reportedly take 'a massive offer' to lure Salah away from Anfield, but Real Madrid are targeting the 28-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window.
LIVERPOOL HAVE KEY ADVANTAGE IN MBAPPE RACE
Liverpool's connections with LeBron James and Nike could give them an edge in the race to sign Kylian Mbappe, according to AS.
The legendary basketball player is a part-owner of the Premier League champions and is reportedly acting as a go-between in Liverpool's bid to sign Mbappe.
Nike's sponsorship deal with Liverpool will also help the Reds with the finances required to make the transfer.
Real Madrid are still considered favourites, but these factors make Liverpool their main rival.
We’ve taken a look at some of the likely transfers in the Premier League which could decide the title, Champions League qualification and the relegation battle.
What transfers could happen in the January window?
Clubs will be desperate to sign players to gain any advantage in the most unpredictable of seasons
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