Liverpool transfer: Klopp set to lose race for BVB and Hammers stars

The absence of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will soon be felt by Jurgen Klopp and his men at Liverpool as they attend the Africa Cup of Nations, but the Reds are yet to make any huge signings to replace the missing forwards.

After a relatively quiet summer transfer season, it would appear that this January transfer window is likely to be similarly quiet if Klopp continues on the same route.

Oostende’s Kenny Rocha Santos has been named by reports as a potential signing, but he too will feature at the AFCON for Cape Verde and there are yet to be any confirmed deals or talks between the Belgian club and Anfield.

Luis Diaz has also been a hot point of contention with him having the strongest links to joining Anfield. The 24-year-old would be a strong move for Klopp as the winger will still have his prime years of playing ahead of him but at a fee of £67million in his release clause, Liverpool may be looking for alternatives over the Porto star, especially with reports now suggesting Diaz has been attracting the attention of both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

It is also likely that West Ham’s Declan Rice, who is being eyed up by a number of Premier League teams, will also likely wait his turn to hear any news on signings.

With Manchester United and Chelsea also after the defensive midfielder, the transfer window may soon see a battle to sign one of England’s European Championship stars.

It also appears probable that, according to reports, Borussia Dormund’s Erling Haaland will remain with his current club rather than follow through with any of the clubs that have been rumoured to be seeking after the Norwegian international.

Additionally, the former Liverpool player has recently confirmed he will join another former Liverpool star as Philippe Coutinho announced his move to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona.

Here’s all the latest on the January transfer window

Where will Declan Rice go?

Ever since Rice’s impressive displays within the Premier League and in the European Championships, he has become a huge talking point for many high profile clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The Manchester Evening News recently suggested that Rice is United’s top, long-term target in order to strengthen their defensive-midfield options.

However, former Liverpool and England star Glen Johnson has taken to BettingOdds.com to offer his opinion on what the 22-year-old should do:

“I don’t think Manchester United could get anyone better than Declan Rice. If he was available, I think Chelsea or Liverpool would be in front of them anyway.

Those players only come around once. United have got (Donny) van de Beek or whoever and they try to sign all these players in that position for loads of money and it’s just never worked.

“If I was Declan I would be a bit concerned if I’m honest with you. I’d be thinking Manchester United aren’t the Manchester United of old.

“There used to be a time when, anytime Manchester United came calling, you go. It was the number one place. Everyone wanted to go. But they don’t have that appeal anymore.

“I don’t think he’d end up there whether they want him or not. But in terms of their business, I think they should just sit tight and wait until the summer and weigh the whole situation up with everybody.”

What has been said regarding Erling Haaland?

The Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol has recently stated that, despite links with Liverpool, it would be very surprising if Haaland were to turn down an opportunity at Manchester City if the chance were to arise.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Solhekol has said: “If you’re talking about seeing Haaland in the Premier League, Manchester City are in pole position. We know they’ve been looking for an out-and-out striker for a long time, even though they don’t really need one, and Pep Guardiola says ‘we’re thriving without an out-and-out striker.

“...As far as Haaland is concerned, it would not be the easy option to go to Manchester City. Even though he would almost be guaranteed success if he was to go there.

“He would be able to move to other clubs where he could score a lot more goals and perhaps not have to work so hard, and the environment wouldn’t be as demanding as it as at Manchester City, and then he could get his move to Man City, Man United or Liverpool - or another club in the Premier League - three or four years down the line.

“I think it’s going to be difficult for him to say no to Pep Guardiola.”

Sportbild have however reported that Borussia Dortmund will intend on renewing a contract with the forward.

If he were to leave the club in the summer, the Bundesliga club would receive around €75 million if the release clause is triggered.

What has former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho said about his move?

The Barcelona midfielder has officially joined Aston Villa on an initial six month-loan with the potential to buy him for £33 million.

The 29-year-old Brazilian was at Liverpool from 2013 to 2018 and has over 150 appearances for the Reds with 41 goals to his name.

During his time at Anfield, he was alongside the Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and the midfielder has cited the former Liverpool captain as a major contributing factor to his move to Villa Park.

On the club’s social media, Coutinho said “(Steven Gerrard) told me about the club, the ambitions of the club and his plans.

“When I spoke to him after the meeting it was clear that I wanted to be here. I think it (happened) quickly and I am very happy to be here”