Liverpool transfer rumours rated: £113 million Atletico Madrid forward wanted, Wolves’ Adama Traore linked

We round up the latest gossip coming out of Anfield and give our verdict on how likely it might be true.
Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix. Picture:  David Ramos/Getty ImagesAtletico Madrid’s Joao Felix. Picture:  David Ramos/Getty Images
Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix. Picture: David Ramos/Getty Images

Traore wanted

Wolves winger Adama Traore. Picture: David Rogers/Getty ImagesWolves winger Adama Traore. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images
Wolves winger Adama Traore. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

Adama Traore remains on Liverpool's wish list, according to Spanish media outlet El Nacional.

The Wolves winger has been linked with a switch to Anfield in the past.

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It's said that the Reds have been in contact with the midlands side but Manchester City and Tottenham are also monitoring the situation.

- Rumour rated: this is a bit of hearsay that's unlikely to go away. Traore's direct, dynamic style of play would fit in perfectly with Jurgen Klopp's brand of football.

Aged 25, the Spain international has got the potential to take his game to the next level if he did move to Anfield.

One thing he'd have to improve markedly is his end product, however.

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For all of Traore's blistering pace and threatening moments, he's yet to register a goal or assist in nine games this season. That's an obvious concern.

Kessie freebie

Franck Kessie. Picture: Gabriele Maltinti/Getty ImagesFranck Kessie. Picture: Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images
Franck Kessie. Picture: Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

El Nacional have also claimed that Franck Kessie is on Liverpool’s radar.

The centre-midfielder scored an impressive 14 goals in 50 appearances for AC Milan last season.

Kessie’s San Siro deal runs out at the end of contract and he won’t be short of suitors.

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Liverpool are said to be prepared to hand the 24-year-old a €15 million signing-on bonus.

- Rumour rated: it wouldn’t be a surprise if Klopp wants a new midfielder next summer.

The Reds didn’t replace Gini Wijnaldium while James Milner is out of contract and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been a bit-part player.

If there’s one thing Liverpool lack, it is a goalscoring midfielder. Kessie would provide that attribute.

Felix loan eyed

Joao Felix. Picture: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty ImagesJoao Felix. Picture: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
Joao Felix. Picture: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
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Liverpool are weighing up a move for Joao Felix, as per Fichajes.

The Atletico Madrid forward was signed for a whopping £113 million from Benfica in 2019.

And despite helping Diego Simeone's side win the La Liga title last season, Felix has fallen down the pecking order this season after the return of Antoine Griezmann from Barcelona. He's made just one league start so far.

Atletico are said to be willing to loan the 21-year-old, although the Reds would want the option to buy at the end of the deal.

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- Rumour rated: it's highly rare that one elite side loans a player to another elite side.

Now and again, it does happen. For example, Bayern Munich have signed both Philippe Coutinho and James Rodriguez on a temporary basis in recent seasons.

The difference is that any Liverpool signing needs a period of settling in and adjusting to Klopp's philosophy. Recruits rarely go straight into the first XI. Ibrahima Konate is the latest example of someone who has to be patient.

And although Atletico couldn't expect to recoup what they paid for Felix, they'd want a significant portion. It's highly likely Liverpool would want to pay a club-record fee.

Dembele still admired

Ousmane Dembele  of Barcelona. Picture: LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty ImagesOusmane Dembele  of Barcelona. Picture: LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images
Ousmane Dembele of Barcelona. Picture: LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images
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Sticking with forwards, teamTALK claim that Ousmane Dembele is again wanted by Liverpool.

The Reds were linked with the 24-year-old before he joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.

Dembele is out of contract in the summer and Klopp remains a huge admirer.

Juventus, Chelsea and PSG are all said to be in the race.

- Rumour rated: it's not a surprise Klopp is still a fan of Dembele given both of their ties to Dortmund.

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And on a free transfer, with a pre-contract agreement able to be signed in January, the Reds might have to move quickly to secure the France international's signature.

Klopp may want more competition for Mo Salah and Sadio Mane and Dembele would be an adept option.

He's had some problems at the Nou Camp but he netted 11 goals in 44 games last term, which is a respectable return.