Liverpool transfer news & gossip: Reds want Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio and battling Barca for Erling Haaland

We might be in the thick of the season, with Liverpool’s primary focus on competing on three fronts in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

However, that doesn’t mean that the rumour mill stops churning.

We round up the latest news and gossip coming out of Anfield.

Asensio on radar

Liverpool are interested in signing unhappy Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio.

Despite the 25-year-old scoring a hat-trick in a 6-1 thrashing of Mallorca on Wednesday, he’s frustrated by his number of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu this season.

Asensio has threatened to quit Real in January due to his lack of opportunities.

Jurgen Klopp would be keen to bring him to Anfield, although Tottenham have also been linked. (Fichajes)

Reds in Haaland race

Liverpool are battling Barcelona for the signature of star striker Erling Haaland next summer.

The 21-year-old has become one of the world’s best goalscorers despite his tender age.

He’s plundered a staggering 67 goals in just 68 games for Borussia Dortmund.

Haaland will unsurprisingly not be short of suitors and his release clause at the Bundesliga side drops to £77 million in June.

The Reds are watching the situation but Barca are also monitoring him. (Mundo Deportivo.)

Keita contract stance

Naby Keita will snub a new contract unless he’s given a more prominent role in the Liverpool team.

The midfielder has played just 82 times since arriving from RB Leipzig for around £48 million in 2018.

Despite helping the Reds win the Champions League and Premier League, he’s struggled to nail down a regular starting spot.

Keita has under two years left on his Anfield contract.

And he will rebuff any deal table unless he’s handed more regular game-time. (BILD)

Real eye Trent

Real Madrid want Trent Alexander-Arnold next summer.

The academy graduate is an indispensable player at his boyhood club and established himself as one of the best right-backs in the world.

But Carlo Ancelotti’s side will try to prise Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish capital.

Dani Carvajal is the only recognised senior right-back at the Bernabeu and has had fitness problems in the past year.

Real see Alexander-Arnold as someone who could come in and add competition. (Defensa Central)

Karius exit remains on cards

Basel remain keen to sign out-of-favour goalkeeper Loris Karius.

The German hasn’t played for the Reds since his dreadful display in the 2018 Champions League final and is fourth choice at Anfield.

Karius reportedly turned down a move to Basel in the summer transfer window.

But the Swiss outfit are still keen on the stopper ahead of the January transfer window opening. (BILD)