Liverpool have secured their place in the Champions League playoff stages, but their season remains finely poised as they occupy a top-four position and prepare to face Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round. Manager Arne Slot is feeling the heat, with injuries depleting his squad, particularly in central defence, where Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez represent the only recognised senior options.
Marc Guehi’s transfer to Manchester City dealt a significant blow to their ambitions of bolstering their defensive ranks. The former Crystal Palace skipper had been poised to join the Reds on deadline day last summer before the move to Merseyside collapsed.
The Reds had planned to wait until the 25-year-old’s contract ran down before securing him on a free transfer this summer. However, City’s growing injury crisis at the back forced them to act, snapping up Guehi for a reported £20million, though suggestions have emerged that the cut-price fee is offset by agent commissions and a substantial £300,000-per-week wage package for the defender.
But other options are out there and here, the ECHO takes a look at the latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours…
Liverpool are building a “keen interest” in Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven, according to the Daily Mail. It has been reported elsewhere that their defence will be the next area targeted for strengthening, with Van Dijk’s contract expiring next summer, Gomez attracting interest from clubs where he could secure more regular first-team football, and uncertainty surrounding Konate’s future.
The Reds do have Giovanni Leoni in their squad, but the promising 19-year-old’s progress has been halted whilst he recovers from the serious knee injury sustained during September’s Carabao Cup victory.
The Mail have reported that Van de Ven has rejected talks over extending his contract. Now, officials at the north London club must decide whether to sell the defender, who will still have three years left on his existing deal when the season ends.
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Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas may currently be on loan at Serie A club Roma, but according to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest have shown interest in him.
Sean Dyche’s team are said to have identified the Greek international as a potential option at left-back, with Brazilian left-back Cuiabano’s future at the City Ground remaining uncertain.
Tsimikas, 29, is understood to be on Forest’s shortlist and could end his temporary stint in the Italian capital early after struggling for playing time in Serie A.
Roma are reportedly prepared to end his loan spell, provided they can secure a replacement.
The Reds could swoop for relegation-battling Wolves to secure midfielder Andre, according to reports. Liverpool had previously been linked with the Brazilian before his switch to Molineux, having emerged as a potential signing during his stint with Fluminense.
Now, RTI Esporte have suggested that European sides are keeping tabs on the 24-year-old’s situation in the Midlands.
Rob Edwards’ team are fighting relegation and a drop to the Championship could force them into selling. Clubs from Italy, Turkey, France and England are reportedly keen on Andre.
Liverpool have been mentioned as a side planning to make an offer, with Wolves seeking at least €30m (£26m).
