Liverpool and Everton transfer gossip: why Loris Karius rejected Basel, Marcel Brands under fire from board

Football fans’ insatiable appetite for transfer news means that the rumour mill continues to churn even after the summer window has only just closed.

It’s no different on Merseyside, with Everton and Liverpool both making the headlines for various reasons.

We round up the latest gossip.

Why Karius snubbed exit

Forgotten man Loris Karius turned down a summer move from Liverpool to Basel.

The much-maligned keeper hasn't played for the Reds since his disastrous display in the 2018 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

Karius is firmly fourth choice at Anfield and manager Jurgen Klopp was looking to offload him during the transfer window.

The former Mainz stopper could not negotiate personal terms to complete a permanent switch to Basel.

The Swiss side were then willing to take him on loan but Karius was only willing to sacrifice a small part of his salary. (The Athletic)

Brands in firing line

Everton director of football Marcel Brands has come under fire from the board following the departure of Thierry Small.

After turning down a professional contract at Goodison Park, the 17-year-old left for Southampton in August.

Small was highly regarded by the Toffees and became the youngest player in the club's history when he made his debut against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup in January.

Everton will receive a compensation fee from Southampton for the Frenchman.

But some in the Everton hierarchy feel Brands "should have been far more proactive in maintaining a positive dialogue" with Small and his family. (Football Insider)

Gouiri eyed

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Nice striker Amine Gouiri.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fine start to the season, scoring fours goals in as many games so far.

That comes on the backdrop of netting 16 times in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side last term.

Klopp has requested to the Anfield hierarchy that they should look to sign Gouiri as a potential replacement for when Roberto Firmino leaves Merseyside.

The France under-21 international is under contract at Nice until the summer of 2024. (Fichajes)

Blues close in on teenager

Everton are closing in on signing teenage sensation Francis Okoronkwo from Sunderland in a deal worth up to £1 million.

The 16-year-old was a regular for the Black Cats' under-18s last season, scoring three goals in 16 appearances.

Okoronkwo is a striker but is also capable of operating out wide. (Daily Mail)

January plan for Reds

Liverpool hope for a quiet January transfer window but will react if necessary.

The Reds brought in only Ibrahima Konate in the summer for £36 million from RB Leipzig.

Last January, Klopp was forced into the market amid a defensive crisis to recruit Ozan Kabak on loan from Schalke and purchase Ben Davies for around £500,000 from Preston.

Liverpool won't be recruiting heavily in the winter if they can avoid doing so. (Fabrizio Romero)