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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

Callum Rice-Coates
Wednesday 06 January 2021 20:31 GMT
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Kylian Mbappe has started this season in good form
Kylian Mbappe has started this season in good form (AFP via Getty Images)

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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 NOT INTERESTED IN ‘SHORT-TERM FIX’

Liverpool will only sign a defender this month if the player in question strengthens their squad in the long run.

The Athletic claim there is no intention of finding a 'short-term fix', despite Jurgen Klopp's apparent lack of options at the back.

But such a signing may prove difficult in the January window.

Waiting until the summer could prove detrimental for Liverpool's title hopes, but Liverpool will not be forced into recklessly spending big money.

Callum Rice-Coates6 January 2021 10:11

INTER TARGET LIVERPOOL STRIKER

Inter are interested in signing Liverpool forward Divock Origi, according to Correire dello Sport.

The Serie A club could look to bring in the Belgium international on loan, with Liverpool likely to be open to offers.

Origi is reportedly keen to join up with compatriot Romelu Lukaku in Milan.

Callum Rice-Coates6 January 2021 09:46

WIJNALDUM REJECTS LATEST CONTRACT OFFER

Georginio Wijnaldum has turned down Liverpool’s most recent contract offer, according to Todofijaches.

The midfielder continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona, but Liverpool are determined to keep hold of one of their key players.

With only a few months remaining on his deal at Anfield, though, an exit is beginning to look increasingly likely.

Callum Rice-Coates6 January 2021 09:30

BARCA BOSS MAKES ‘LIST OF INTERESTING’ TARGETS

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has put together a list of players he claims would be “interesting to bring in”.

The Blaugrana have been heavily linked with a move for Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum, who is out of contract in the summer.

His connection with Koeman - the two worked together in the Dutch national team before the former Everton coach left for Barcelona - has led to speculation of a move at the end of this season.

"I have made a list of possible weaknesses and players that I think it would be interesting to bring in," Koeman said, as quoted by Marca.

"Any coach always looks to the month of January as a time when the squad can be improved. I am no different, but it depends on the club."

Callum Rice-Coates6 January 2021 09:14

Follow all the latest from the transfer rumour mill today…

Lawrence Ostlere6 January 2021 08:56

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