Liverpool are in the midst of one of the most miserable seasons of Jurgen Klopp's reign and things don't look like they are going to turn around any time soon.
The Reds played out a dire 0-0 draw with fellow big-six strugglers Chelsea on Saturday afternoon in a clash that in truth probably saw Klopp's men come away fortunate to have taken a point on home soil. While neither side were anywhere near what many expected of them, the Blues had the better chances over the course of the 90 minutes.
As a result, Liverpool are up to eighth in the league but there is still plenty of distance between the Reds and fourth-placed Manchester United, who boast a 10-point advantage over their Merseyside rivals. It marks quite the steep decline after the last few years of Reds' superiority over their Old Trafford enemies.
With that in mind, Mirror Football has analysed three of the main talking points emerging out of Anfield on Monday, January 23.
Chelsea respond to Mount rumours
As speculation continues over Klopp viewing Chelsea ace Mason Mount as the answer to his current midfield woes, the Blues are rumoured to have once again restarted talks with the England international over an extension.
The 24-year-old has just 18 months left to run on his current deal at Stamford Bridge and fears are growing in West London that Mount's head could be turned by the reported interest from Anfield.
With both of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita's contracts expiring at the end of the season, Klopp is in desperate need of reinforcements, especially given some sections of the Liverpool fanbase still feel there midfield wasn't sufficiently tweaked after Georginio Wijnaldum left in 2021.
According to The Guardian, Mount wants Chelsea to show they value him with their next offer. Should the Blues low-ball him, there's every chance he calls it quits and moves to Merseyside.
Liverpool's move for Serie A star scuppered
The Reds were one of the clubs linked with a move for Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini earlier this month, but Inter Milan entering the race has dented Liverpool's hopes.
At just 19 years of age, Scalvini has established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the Italian top flight and has already made 14 appearances this term.
Late last year reports emerged that Atalanta would be willing to let their teenage international leave providing any buyer forked out £40m.
However, with Milan Skriniar rumoured to be on the cusp of a switch to Paris Saint-Germain, Inter have earmarked Scalvini as his potential successor in the heart of their defence.
The last thing Liverpool need is a bidding war, but that is what they may have on their hands if Inter's interest in the talented teen is concrete.
FSG change sale stance
Fenway Sports Group, owners of Liverpool, have reportedly become more open to the idea of a partial sale of the club rather than parting ways entirely.
As per The Independent, this U-turn is thought to have stemmed from the fact that those at the top of the Reds hierarchy have realised the market isn't as active as first thought.
It would appear that the likelihood of finding a party willing to buy the club off them outright is slim, though it is unclear if the Glazers, currently looking for a buyer for Manchester United, feel the same.
