The January transfer window is just around the corner and clubs will no doubt already be putting plans in place to bolster their squads. The World Cup in Qatar offers the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham a unique scouting opportunity ahead of the new year, with players putting themselves firmly in the shop window with their performances.
Teams at the top of the Premier League table are often battling it out for the same players on the continent and beyond and January is unlikely to be any different in that regard. And if players perform well on the World Cup stage, we will see multiple clubs fighting to sign them too.
Work will be done behind the scenes at all of the London clubs to strengthen their squads in January, but the battle for signings in London may just have been made a little bit easier.
READ MORE: Arsenal already have their own Jonathan David amid Edu's smart £30m transfer decision
Liverpool are already struggling in the Premier League this season, losing four of their 14 matches and sitting sixth in the table. They are a whopping 15 points adrift of top spot already - a surprise given they amassed more than 90 points in two of the last three seasons.
To get back to challenging at the top they may look to make new signings in January. But they have been hindered by the news that their new sporting director will quit at the end of the season.
Ward has been at Anfield for the past ten years, but only became sporting director and thus in charge of transfers last summer when Michael Edwards quit the club. Reds owners Fenway Sports Group are currently in discussions over selling the club, which has led to some turmoil off the pitch, and this news will only make things more strained.
That could be of benefit to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham when it comes to making signings in January and even looking ahead to next summer, if Liverpool have not found a replacement for Ward before then.
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta lines up Danilo alternative with £5m Arsenal transfer amid PSG interest
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka makes Cristiano Ronaldo admission as Portugal superstar eyes transfer move
Tottenham enter Adrien Rabiot race after failed Man United transfer
Chelsea already have ideal Thiago Silva successor to avoid £165.8m summer transfer repeat
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
