Like many of us after the Christmas period, it's January doom and gloom for Liverpool.
Despite pulling off major coup in hijacking Manchester United 's deal to sign Cody Gakpo before 2023 even began, Jurgen Klopp has been left scratching his head after a series of below-par performances since returning from the World Cup break. With fears that many of the Reds' squad are suddenly over the hill, Anfield chiefs are scouring the transfer market in search of new signings which can help propel Klopp and co into the top four.
While Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez are big-money targets, Liverpool have a reputation for picking up the best bargain deals. Meanwhile, there's the rumbling issue of contracts and Roberto Firmino is among those who could be a free agent come June.
Here's a round-up of the latest transfer news from Anfield.
Reds 'watching' Koopmeiners
Liverpool have reportedly been watching Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners in recent months. The 24-year-old Netherlands international featured at the World Cup and is a mainstay at club level, having made the move from AZ Alkmaar 18 months ago, where he captained the Dutch side aged just 21.
The i have noted the Reds' admiration for Koopmeiners, adding that the interest hints at assistant manager Pep Lijnders' growing influence in recruitment. Liverpool are in need of a midfield refresh, so left-footed Koopmeiners - who can play in multiple positions - could fit the bill and act as Fabinho 's long-term replacement.
Firmino leaning towards decision
Roberto Firmino is said to be leaning towards accepting a contract extension with Liverpool. The Brazilian striker was recently linked with a move to the Saudi Arabian Pro League, as he enters the final six months of his current deal on Merseyside while in his eighth season with the Reds.
But Sky Germany report that while clubs in the Middle East are keen to sign Firmino, talks between the Reds hierarchy and the 31-year-old are progressing. Jurgen Klopp has repeatedly made clear that he wants to keep his No.9, who's currently out injured, at Anfield.
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Kone interest emerges
Liverpool have been named among a host of top clubs interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Kouadio Kone. The 21-year-old French midfielder has started an impressive 14 games in the Bundesliga this season, only missing one of Gladbach's league fixtures under former Norwich City manager Daniel Farke.
Reports in Italy claim that like Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain, the Reds are monitoring Kone's situation. The defensive-minded starlet has a contract in Germany until 2025, with his current employers - who signed him from Toulouse in a deal worth £7.9m in January 2021 - renowned for selling talent and making big profits.
