Liverpool transfer news amid first move in race as Serie A option eyed up

As January draws ever closer, Liverpool will have some big decisions to make in the transfer window, especially now it finds itself top of the Premier League table. Jürgen Klopp has already suggested his side isn’t too likely to dip its toe into the market. With injuries emerging amid what looks to be a title challenge though, can the Liverpool boss risk not getting some business done?

The defense had already looked to be the next priority before Joël Matip suffered an ACL injury. With the Cameroonian looking likely to miss the rest of the season now, that need may have grown, especially with Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez having suffered their injury problems in recent times.

Despite the obvious priority, Liverpool continues to be linked with midfield options ahead of the January window. The latest reports suggest the Reds have made the first move in the race for João Palhinha, while a surprise option from Serie A could be under consideration if reports from Italy are to be believed. Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.

Liverpool has its sights set on Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu, according to Tuttosport. The Reds are claimed to be in a battle with Chelsea for the 29-year-old, who has scored six goals in 14 appearances this season. Çalhanoğlu’s contract is set to expire in 2027, but Inter could look to cash in on a player it signed for free from neighbor AC Milan.

João Palhinha of Fulham

Liverpool has made the first move in the race for João Palhinha, according to TEAMtalk. The report suggests the Reds have opened talks with the midfielder’s agent ahead of a potential January move. As well as Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are also said to be interested. Bayern Munich also remains keen, despite seeing a move for Palhinha collapse in the summer.