Liverpool may be in the hunt for new players next month but their pursuits of certain targets have only been made harder following reported interest from a number of rivals.
The Reds have been strongly linked with moves for midfielders Sofyan Amrabat and Enzo Fernandez, but while those two deals continue to take centre stage, there are other targets in the background who they could end up missing out on. Elsewhere, Guinea international Naby Keita has been backed to leave next month should Jurgen Klopp reinforce his midfield options.
Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest stories coming out of Anfield…
Liverpool sent Gvardiol setback
Liverpool have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig and Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol following his impressive performances for the latter at the 2022 World Cup.
The 20-year-old has been on the radar of a number of European clubs for some time following a strong campaign for the German side last season, while his displays in Qatar this winter have only heightened the interest surrounding his future.
But Sky Italy's Gianluca Di Marzio told SoccerNews that Premier League rivals Chelsea and LaLiga giants Real Madrid have already put in bids for the youngster ahead of January, meaning Liverpool could soon miss the opportunity to snap up the Croatian international.
Should Liverpool make a move for Josko Gvardiol in January? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Reds face Kudus competition
In more bad news for Liverpool, it has been reported that local rivals Everton remain interested in signing Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus.
The Toffees are expected to rival the Reds for the signature of the Ghana international, who impressed at the World Cup for the Black Stars with two goals in three games. Nonetheless, Liverpool could be about to see another player pass them by if they don’t act quick enough.
That’s because according to Ghanaian journalist Gary Al-Smith, via the Liverpool Echo, Everton are still in a strong position to secure the signing of Kudus, especially with the Reds attempting to secure deals for other priority targets.
Keita backed for January exit
With Liverpool aiming to sign a new midfielder in January following strong links to Amrabat and Fernadez, it has been reported that Keita could end up leaving the Reds next month ahead of the expiry of his contract in June.
The Guinea international hasn’t featured for Liverpool since the Community Shield victory over Manchester City in August after suffering a long-term thigh injury, before receiving further setbacks, and could be forced further down the pecking order with a new arrival next month.
And according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, via Give Me Sport, Liverpool may decide to cash-in on the midfielder this winter if they opt not to hand him a new contract over the coming weeks.
