06 January 2023 , 05:00
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Liverpool are still reeling following their defeat by Brentford earlier in the week – and the loss was followed by even more bad news.
Virgil van Dijk has suffered a serious hamstring injury and is now set for a spell on the sidelines. His absence is likely to exacerbate the pre-existing problems at the back – and could lead to unplanned business in the January transfer window.
Aside from the possible move for a central defender, Liverpool are also monitoring centre-midfielders ahead of a summer in which James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are set to be out of contract. Jude Bellingham remains the main target, but others are being considered.
With all that in mind, here are the latest rumours concerning the Reds ahead of their FA Cup match against Wolves on Saturday.
Skriniar considered
Van Dijk’s injury leaves Jurgen Klopp with Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate as first-choice centre-backs, with Joe Gomez and Nat Phillips as back-ups. Reports in Italy suggest Liverpool might be tempted to add to that mix this month.
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Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar is no stranger to a Premier League transfer rumour, but there appears to be some substance to the latest one. The 27-year-old’s current contract is due to expire at the end of June and he is therefore able to speak with other clubs.
Inter have been trying for two months to get him to sign a new one and although chief executive Beppe Marotta “is always optimistic”, he has admitted other sides are sniffing around.
“As far as Skriniar, there are dynamics that are typical in the world of football,” he told DAZN. “Other teams are also in these kinds of negotiations.”
HAVE YOUR SAY! Do Liverpool need to sign a centre-back in January? Comment below.
Chelsea after Reds target
Chelsea are also interested in Moises Caicedo (Getty Images)Chelsea ’s pursuit of Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been one of the biggest stories of the transfer window so far and things have got complicated. The Portuguese side are standing firm and insisting the 21-year-old’s £112million buyout clause is paid in full, or there is no deal to be done.
That could see Chelsea turn their attention elsewhere. Fabrizio Romano says the Blues are taking a close look at Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, who has also interested Liverpool previously.
However, The Express notes that Caicedo is happy at Brighton and not looking to move this month, with the Seagulls in great form currently.
Arthur to leave
Arthur Melo has been a disaster (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Liverpool may need to rejuvenate their midfield in the summer, with Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita currently set to leave upon the expiry of their contracts. The situation is more acute when you consider Arthur Melo.
The Brazil international was signed on a season-long loan in the summer but has made zero impact. He played just 13 minutes of football before picking up an injury.
Unsurprisingly, Goal says he won’t be retained by the Reds this summer. Instead he will be sent back to Juventus, who will likely try to sell him on.
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Liverpool have some young promising midfielders in the form of Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Stefan Bajcetic, but experienced players are the order of the day.