Plot against him, Haaland and City could ruin Liverpool negotiations

Liverpool is back in action this weekend as Jürgen Klopp's side travel to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth. The Reds currently sit at the top of the Premier League table, with Manchester City following closely in second. Sunday will mark the third game without star man Mohamed Salah, who is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, with Klopp's men so far recording back-to-back wins since the departure of the Egyptian forward.

This is the path, Salah gives the first signs of his renewal with Liverpool

The Liverpool boss will once again be hoping the likes of Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Núñez can step up in front of goal, as the team looks to extend its lead at the top of the table. While Liverpool can only control what it does on the pitch, those connected with the squad will also have one eye on what their rivals are up to across the next week or two. Which is not limited to clubs in the Premier League given Liverpool's involvement in European football, and the transfer market this month.

Manchester City has been left 'stunned' by a report out of Spain suggesting Real Madrid has entered talks with Erling Haaland via intermediaries regarding a possible move. That's according to TeamTalk, which also says the Etihad outfit has been 'rocked' by the claim. Haaland signed for Pep Guardiola's side in 2022 and has gone on to net 52 goals across 53 appearances for Man City, marking a strong return for the $€60m investment.

Given his form for last season's treble winners, rumors are now circulating regarding his long-term future at the club, as Europe's elite now hover to secure the signing of the most lethal striker in the world. Real Madrid has a 'strategy' to sign the player and has even entered talks via intermediaries. Discussions are focusing on the increased chances of winning his first Ballon d'Or at the Bernabéu, as well as linking up with his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham.

Not Mbappe, Europe's most wanted player close to signing for Liverpool

Tense Matthijs de Ligt situation at Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt could be set to leave the club in the summer as he continues to slip down the pecking order in Germany, according to reports. La Gazzeta dello Sport has claimed that the defender's relationship with current Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is 'tense', while he has also fallen behind Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano, and even new signing Eric Dier. De Ligt had previously enjoyed working under former manager Julian Nageslmann, who was sacked from the Bavarian club in March 2023. The Netherlands international is eager to play more but is set to remain in Germany throughout the January transfer window due to the club having a small squad. A move in the summer appears more likely for De Ligt, who is attracting interest from Manchester United.