Liverpool transfer news - Marc Guehi 'preference' emerges as Conor Bradley replacement 'considered'

Today's Liverpool FC transfer news sees new names join familiar faces in the rumour mill

With just under three weeks until the transfer window slams shut - it never swings closed gently, does it? - there is still plenty of time left for Liverpool to make moves to strengthen a squad that has, so far at least, under-performed in a post-title-winning season. Those pesky in-the-knows continue to forecast a quiet January, but two former Reds have had their say on their ideal windows over the weekend.

Liverpool great John Barnes considers Arne Slot's options "good enough", and has warned against any stopgap moves in January. At this time of the season, Barnes says: "You're not going to be able to bring in the best players."

Contrastingly, Stephane Henchoz has suggested Manuel Akanji as a Marc Guehi alternative, and even pipped former academy player Harry Wilson for a free transfer return to Anfield.

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Of course, the biggest news today deals with Xabi Alonso's dismissal from the Real Madrid hotseat. With Alonso widely reported to have been considered for the Liverpool job before Slot's appointment, speculation about the Dutchman's future has quietened somewhat after an 11-game unbeaten run.

More importantly for the transfer gremlins here at ECHO towers, the change of approach in Madrid could have a few knock-on effects on the market. And here, we'll break down the plausible, the unlikely and the ridiculous in your round-up of the latest gossip and rumours on Liverpool's transfer dealings.

Marc Guehi update

Another day, another Marc Guehi update. And there's a lot to unpack here.

Despite a shaky performance on Saturday as the FA Cup holders crashed out against sixth-tier Macclesfield FC, the Crystal Palace captain is a hot commodity and last week saw Arsenal join Liverpool and Manchester City in the mix for his services.

Palace, for their part, have indicated a willingness to sell the contract rebel for the right price this window, and The Guardian on Friday reported that price to be around the £40m mark. In the report, published to announce Bukayo Saka's new contract (yet to be confirmed by the club but widely considered accurate), the newspaper also revealed that Arsenal are more likely to approach Guehi for a free transfer rather than attempt to sign him this month.

Mick Brown, former chief scout at Manchester United, again blessed us with his insight on Saturday's Inside Track podcast from Football Insider.

Brown said: "Crystal Palace have resigned themselves to that [letting Guehi leave for free] as well that they are happy to keep him and let him walk out on a free as well. So unless City do come up with a big, big offer which is too good to turn down, I don’t think Palace will be in any rush to let him go."

The lack of movement certainly could suggest Palace are prepared to let their prized asset leave for free. It could also suggest City and/or Liverpool are playing a prolonged game of chicken to try to snap up the defender for a cut price closer to the end of the window. The Athletic's Sam Lee offered a tantalising update on the Let Me Talk podcast (via the Daily Express) on Sunday .

Lee said: "On Monday night, I was told by somebody who knows what's going on at City, but also I think probably Palace as well, he said he thinks Guehi wants to stay until the summer and he prefers Liverpool [to City] in any case. Somebody else messaged me on Twitter, and I know he's very good on other club stuff, he was like: 'Yeah, he wants to stay until the summer - and he prefers Liverpool and Arsenal'.

"I was like: 'Well I haven't heard Arsenal', but that kind of tallies what I'd been told the night before."

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano echoed Lee's assessment on YouTube (via Rousing the Kop) on Sunday with Liverpool "really pushing" for a commitment from Guehi for the summer despite City planning to "try next week" (this week) to secure him in a January transfer.

This was corroborated today by David Ornstein of The Athletic, who pointed to the financial implications of a January move for Guéhi. The centre-half will be able to demand a sizable signing-on fee if he runs down his deal, and will be seeking a financial incentive to make the move early, along with the inflated fee Palace are seeking.

There could yet be a late twist, however, with Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg confirming that Bayern Munich's sporting director Max Eberl has held phone calls with Guehi's team over a move to the Bundesliga - having previously met with the player's agent - with "an open race" developing for his signature.

Ornstein also commented on the future of Ibrahima Konate, with his update concerning, but unsurprising. The Frenchman is still expected to leave Liverpool on the expiry of his current contract in the summer, with no progress made on a new deal. As such, centre-back will be the priority for Richard Hughes and Co. heading into the summer.

With injuries stacking up, many fans would argue Liverpool need a defender for the here and now. But FSG have a history of waiting for the right target, so unless City back up their interest with a bid it is unclear whether Liverpool will get involved for Guehi this window.

Bradley Barcola stalling on new contract

The coveted Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola has been linked with Liverpool since Luis Diaz left the club last summer. Reports last week suggested the winger won't be on the move this January, but the Parisian side could look to sell him in the summer with the player reportedly unhappy with his game time under manager Luis Enrique.

On Friday, RMC Sport reported that Barcola had been offered a contract, but "his [new] representatives have not yet responded to this offer", having seen negotiations with the player's previous agent stall ahead of last summer. Reportedly, the verdict on this latest offer "will also influence PSG's next transfer window", suggesting the club could look to cut their losses while Barcola still has two years left on his existing deal.

PSG do however "have a strong desire to keep" Barcola, who hasn't requested a transfer yet but is understood to be considering his options.

CaughtOffside claimed on Saturday that Liverpool are "understood to be showing the strongest interest in a potential transfer move" for Barcola, quoting one unnamed source who indicated that the player's decision could hinge on the future of the manager.

The source said: "Barcola has struggled to play regularly under Luis Enrique, but he’ll be leaving in the summer, so a new manager could in theory give Barcola more of a key role. Liverpool’s interest is very strong, and if his situation doesn’t improve he’ll surely be open to the move, but the manager situation is one to watch."

Fabrizio Romano, however, counter-claimed on Sunday on his YouTube channel (via Rousing the Kop) that reports of Enrique leaving are premature.

Reds linked with Serie A defender

A new name in the mix this week is Spanish defender Jacobo Ramon, who plays at centre-half for Serie A side Como.

Cesc Fabregas' side sit sixth in Serie A, just five points outside of the Champions League spots. Ramon has been key to a defence that has shipped just 13 goals in 19 games so far.

CaughtOffside claimed on Sunday that Liverpool have been "monitoring" the Spain Under-21 international since December, along with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Newcastle United, Brighton and Crystal Palace are also said to have sent scouts to watch Ramón.

Any deal, unlikely to happen this month, will be contingent on the approval of Real Madrid, however, who hold an €8m (£6.93m) buy-back option and a 50% sell-on clause for the 21-year-old they sold just last summer.

Liverpool "considering" Borussia Dortmund defender

Absolut Fussball claimed yesterday that "exclusive" sources had revealed Liverpool's interest in a Borussia Dortmund defender following confirmation that the injury sustained by Conor Bradley against Arsenal would end his involvement this season.

The report claimed Julian Ryerson, who is rated at €20m (£17.3m) per Transfermarkt, "feels comfortable in Dortmund" but could be persuaded to move to the English champions . The versatile 28-year-old has chalked up an impressive four assists from 10 starts and five substitute appearances in the Bundesliga this season, and at 28 should be at the peak of his powers.

Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg ruled the Norwegian out of the running, however, claiming though that Liverpool are still seeking a replacement for Bradley.

Plettenberg tweeted: "[I] understand Liverpool are urgently searching for a replacement for Conor Bradley, who will be out for several months with a knee injury. Various options are being assessed for the current transfer window. [I've] been told that Julian Ryerson is not currently a candidate for LFC."

But in The Athletic's Transfer DealSheet today (Jan 13), David Ornstein reported that Liverpool are not seeking to replace Bradley directly, with enough members of the current squad able to fill in at right-back.

Juve not backing down on Chiesa

Despite reassurances from Liverpool sources that cult hero Federico Chiesa will not be on the move this January, rumours in the forward's native Italy - particularly the Turin press - have been incessant in their reports that a return to Juventus is on the cards.

Yesterday, Tuttosport reported "a decisive day" ahead, as an offer was set to be submitted from the Bianconeri "in the next few hours". According to the Italian outlet, that offer would be an initial loan, although Juventus were said to be willing to negotiate an obligation to buy.

The Athletic's James Pearce has since confirmed Juve's interest, although the nature of their approach is at this stage understood to be informal.

Speaking on Napoli Magazine Live (via Tutto Juve), Italian journalist Emanuele Cammaroto claimed that Napoli, too, have joined the race for Chiesa's services, with manager Antonio Conte enjoying a good relationship with the player's father, Enrico.

In conversation with Anfield Index on Friday, trusted Liverpool source David Lynch confirmed that any move for Chiesa would have to be contingent on a guaranteed purchase, and may still be rejected in light of Liverpool's current injury woes.

The Tuttosport report claimed the Old Lady's initial offer included a purchase option conditional on appearances. One would imagine such an offer would be rejected by Liverpool in any case, who will be keen to avoid a repeat of the type of deal that has seen Harvey Elliott marginalised at Aston Villa.

La Gazzetta dello Sport, meanwhile, claim "the odds are reportedly rising of [Juventus approaching] Daniel Maldini from Atalanta as the first alternative to Chiesa", with Italy legend Paolo's son said to be the next target should a move for Chiesa fail to materialise.

Lewis Koumas "keeping his head down"

Liverpool winger Lewis Koumas has only managed five Championship starts on loan at Birmingham City, but scored his first goal for the club against Coventry City last week before playing 89 minutes in the Blues' cup clash against Cambridge United on Saturday.

The Kirkby graduate has been widely expected to return to Liverpool ahead of another loan in the winter window, but today told Birmingham Live he is prepared to stay and fight for his place.

Koumas said: "Last year I played 49 games and started a big majority of them. It's been a different start this year but whenever I get put in I’m ready to give my best. I really like the gaffer. He sees my attributes well. We spoke about it before I came in and I’ve been working hard in training for months and months now, just so I’m ready when I go on the pitch.

"We’ve obviously had conversations [with Liverpool] but I’m keeping my head down, working hard and we’ll see what happens."

Give Me Sport, however, scored an exclusive on Sunday , since reported by various Birmingham outlets and Football League-focused publications, that Birmingham are set to sign 21-year-old Gambian international Abdoulie Manneh. The left winger is expected to sign at St Andrew's imminently, which will see Koumas move even further down the pecking order, with Demarai Gray set to return from injury next month.

Liverpool could do a lot worse than having Koumas as an emergency option, with the Chester-born attacker having impressed on loan at Stoke last season.

Other reports from the weekend

The weekend brought news that two highly-rated attackers from the continent have expressed a desire to play for Liverpool. Yan Diomande, the subject of much speculation and coverage in this column, spoke in a TikTok Live in November about his father's support for the Reds, stating: "I want to play at Anfield, I want to play for Liverpool."

Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, who has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur, followed suit in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad published on Friday. The 30-time Greek international, who leads the Belgian Pro League with a combined 16 goals and assists so far this season, claimed he was not aware of any interest in a transfer this January. Namedropping Liverpool and Barcelona, however, the 23-year-old said an offer from "a crazy team" could change his mind.

Flemish outlet AD reported on Friday that reported Liverpool and Newcastle United target Kees Smit could be set for a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid or Barcelona. The 19-year-old Dutch midfielder could be targeted by Los Blancos, who look set to miss out on Dominik Szoboszlai who, according to CaughtOffside, has committed his future to the Reds and given his provisional agreement to a new contract.

Smit's club, AZ Alkmaar, involved super-agent Jorge Mendes in December to oversee a club-record fee for the Netherlands U21 international. Fabrizio Romano has stressed on YouTube (via Liverpool World) that while conversations are ongoing, "nothing is advanced yet on the player's side."

Another player who has committed to his current club is Newcastle's Sven Botman, who was linked with Liverpool previously but, as reported by the Newcastle Chronicle earlier in the window, the Reds dropped their interest in the Dutchman due to concerns around his injury record.

In another YouTube update (via Liverpool World), Romano poured cold water on suggestions that Liverpool could sign Swedish winger Roony Bardghji, with Alexander Isak's international teammate considered an "important part of the project" at Barcelona.

Pete O'Rourke at Football Insider offered a pair of updates on two rumoured Reds targets this weekend, first revealing that "a huge offer" will be required to secure Stade Rennais defender Jeremy Jacquet this month. The 20-year-old centre-half is also said to be on the radar of Arsenal and Chelsea, but O'Rourke's take is cautionary in suggesting that any move is unlikely to develop until the summer.

O'Rourke also gave an update on Joel Ordonez, the Ecuadorian defender rumoured to be close to a transfer to Liverpool in the early days of the window. While the 21-year-old is said to remain on Richard Hughes' list, any move for the centre-half would be scheduled for "further down the line".

David Lynch has shed some light on the mysterious case of Celtic's Dara Jikiemi. The 15-year-old centre-half was reported to have agreed terms with Liverpool last month, but Lynch revealed the delay is understood to be a result of the Hoops feeling aggrieved by the compensation package on offer from the Reds.

Finally, a questionable piece from Football 365 yesterday claimed that Jurgen Klopp is being lined up as Xabi Alonso's long-term replacement at Real Madrid. The former Liverpool midfield general was relieved of his duties last night, having lost the Spanish Super Cup 3-2 to Barcelona on Sunday. The article, which suspiciously gives no sources (only citing "reports"), makes the bold claim that Klopp would only make the move to the Bernabeu hotseat subject to not one, not two, but FOUR conditions.

Those conditions? Sign Alexis Mac Allister and Harry Kane, and sell Vinicius Junior and Dani Ceballos. A win-win situation, therefore, in which Football 365 cannot be wrong - because none of these things are going to happen.

Nonsense of the day

And to wrap us up, it's over to our good friends at Fichajes once again, who seem determined to constantly one-up themselves when it comes to flabbergasting Liverpool transfer rumours this month. And who are we to complain?

Today's scoop, for want of a better word, is that Liverpool are readying a €180m (£156m) offer for Jude Bellingham. Yes, the same Jude Bellingham who, not three years ago, turned down a move to Liverpool in favour of the Spanish giants, before spending the next two years trying (and succeeding) to convince his best friend to leave Anfield and join him.

There is no need to explain why such a suggestion is laughable. Nevertheless, Fichajes spend precisely 730 words doing just that. The report concludes that "the will of the player and the resolve of Los Blancos are difficult obstacles to overcome."

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