Liverpool transfer news recap - Tottenham tie updates, Osimhen latest, Kimmich 'under consideration'

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The Reds have lost just their second match of the season tonight, approaching four months on from the first at Anfield to Nottingham Forest. Tottenham Hotspur won the first leg of the Leagye Cup semi-final thanks to a late Lucas Bergvall goal ten minutes after Dominic Solanke had a strike disallowed for offside.

We will have plenty more reaction to that match in the morning, plus all the usual transfer news throughout the day. Join us then if you can as we will bring you the latest reports and rumours as you go about your Thursday.

Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper wanted after Premier League exit

Loris Karius could reportedly be set to sign finally sign for a new club for the first time since leaving Newcastle United at the end of last season.

Sky Germany claims Schalke want the goalkeeper to replace Ron-Thorben Hoffmann should Eintracht Braunschweig sign their number two. Justin Heekeren starts for the 2. Bundesliga team and Karius would seemingly replace Hoffmann on their bench should a move to the side fighting relegation to the 3. Liga.

First-half of first leg overshadowed by early Spurs injury

A serious looking injury to Rodrigo Bentancur has overshadowed the first leg of the Reds' League Cup semi-final with Spurs. There was around a ten minute delay after the midfielder went down minutes into the match after landing awkwardly after jumping up the head the ball.

Explosive double Bayern contract update on Davies and Kimmich

Alphonso Davies is reputedly in a similar situation to Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Bayern Munich player's contract expiring this summer.

Kicker claims 'Davies is in the Alexander Arnold clamp' but suggests there could be positive signs because Real Madrid is not said to be prioritising signing the Canada international. However, the bottom line is that despite discussions and negotiations over the future of Davies, Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich being the club's focus, there has been little progress in talks.

The behind-the-scenes situation could reportedly become more explosive this month. Bayern's confidence about re-signing the trio has apparently waned since November and December.

Reds team news as Slot makes three changes for Spurs semi-final

Slot has changed both full-backs for tonight's match, with Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas coming in for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. Diogo Jota also starts up front in place of Luis Diaz.

The spine of the team, though is unchanged. Alisson starts just a second career League Cup tie with the centre-back partnership remaining the same, with the midfield three and wide players also involved again.

Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Jota.

Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Konate, Diaz, Nunez, Chiesa, Elliott, Robertson, Alexander-Arnold.

Saudi club want Salah as Neymar replacement this summer

Al Hilal are reportedly looking to replace Neymar with Mohamed Salah this summer.

The Spanish sports newspaper AS claims Salah is their preferred option to sign should Neymar leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this season. They acknowledge that Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has tried for years to convince Salah to join a club from the Kingdom.

Arne Slot planning to raid Feyenoord for Mohamed Salah backup

The Reds reportedly plan on signing Anis Hadj Moussa after watching the Feyenoord winger this season.

Football Insider claims they have identified the Algeria international as a possible back-up for Mohamed Salah. Arne Slot was still in charge of the Dutch club when they signed Hadji from Belgian club Patro Eisden, penning a five-year contract in April.

Liverpool teen joins same agency as Gittens, Saka and Sancho

Elite Project Group have confirmed Liverpool under-16s player Lenix Conde is the newest member of their agency.

The group based in London represents dozens of primarily British players, with Bukayo Saka being their marquee client. However, the likes of Alex Iwobi, Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun, Jadon Sancho, Jamie Gittens, Ola Aina and Romeo Lavia are also part of the agency.

In an Instagram post, Conde said:

I am delighted to announce I have signed with Elite Project Group. Their commitment to excellence and belief in my potential makes me incredibly optimistic about the future. I can't wait to see what we will accomplish together.

Dani Olmo update as court grants Barcelona wish for next match

Barcelona will be able to play Dani Olmo and Pau Victor in their Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Club this evening.

The National Sports Council have granted a precautionary measure that will allow the pair to feature for the Catalan club in that competition. Their semi-final takes place tonight, with Real Madrid playing Mallorca in the other final four match to decide who will contest Sunday's final.

Liverpool Women complete first January transfer as Sam Kerr signs

The Reds' women's team have signed Scotland international Sam Kerr on loan from Bayern Munich for the remainder of this season. Kerr previously played for Glasgow City and Rangers north of the border before joining the German giants 18 months ago.

Bayern's director of women's football Bianca Rech explained to fcbayern.com their reasons behind the loan move:

We made the decision together with Sam that it's important for her ongoing development to get more game time. In Liverpool we've found a club that suits Sam perfectly in terms of culture and language."

Kerr told Liverpoolfc.com:

I’m really looking forward to being here at Liverpool and bringing my experience, really taking that challenge and hopefully helping the team get the results needed and get further up the table.

Carabao Cup jibe at Arteta

Mikel Arteta has been mocked by Carabao Cup organisers after he suggested the match ball used against Newcastle United impacted his side Arsenal's defeat at the Emirates.

Speaking after the loss, Arteta moved to illustrate that the PUMA match ball, which is used in the Carabao Cup, is different to the Nike alternative in the Premier League.

Prior to the first leg of their last-four clash, the Gunners had scored 11 times in the Carabao Cup this season.

"We kicked a lot of balls over the bar," said Arteta. "It's tricky. This ball flies a lot. It's just very different to the Premier League ball and we have to adapt to that. It flies different, and the grip is very different as well."

The Carabao Cup X account, which has nearly 600,000 followers, reposted a clip of Arteta speaking about the ball during his post-match press conference and accompanied it with a meme of US rapper 50 Cent wearing an exasperated expression in an apparent dig at the Arsenal manager's comments.

Kimmich pre-contract hope

Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Bayern Munich and Germany star Joshua Kimmich.

Reports in Germany via Christian Falk have claimed the Reds are keen on the versatile midfielder ahead of the expiry of his contract in the summer.

Bayern are in talks with Kimmich but he's yet to agree a new deal.

Nunez the 'weak link'

Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha has claimed Darwin Nunez is currently the weak link at Liverpool this season.

“When you think about Liverpool and some of their goalscorers and those who have big impacts on games, obviously [Mohamed] Salah is the big shining light when it comes to goals, but also look at the likes of Jota, he’s one of the best finishers Liverpool have had in recent years,” Onuoha told ESPN FC.

“You see an in-form [Cody] Gakpo, you see Luis Diaz playing down the middle, you see that the end-product is going to be there, whereas with Darwin Nunez, all the effort and stuff is there, but we’re talking about a team trying to win the Premier League title.

“Effort shouldn’t be your strongest asset at that particular moment, you need the quality there. Would I feel confident seeing Nunez starting over Diogo Jota? Probably not.”

'Salah would struggle at Spurs'

Ahead of tonight's Carabao Cup clash, Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou believes Mohamed Salah would struggle to replicate his Liverpool form if he played for his side.

The Spurs boss has claimed Salah relies on his team-mates being in good form, something his side have struggled with. "Mo is a world-class player, but if you put him in our team at the moment I'm not sure he would have the same impact because of the situation we're in as a group,' said Postecoglou.

"His attacking play, who do you need? You need a team that's kind of in good form, creating opportunities, playing on the front foot, having a really solid foundation of a defence that is cohesive. None of these things exist at the moment."

Chiesa decision imminent

Bologna are reportedly waiting for Liverpool to decide what they plan to do with Federico Chiesa.

The Italian side are one of the teams considering a move for the forward if he becomes available on loan. Corriere dello Sport claim that they are looking to bring Chiesa back to Serie A alongside Joshua Zirkzee.

It's suggested they are waiting to see if Liverpool will agree to allow him to leave in January.

Liverpool transfer news: top stories

I will be wrapping up shortly and passing the baton.

We have been across the latest news and rumours throughout the day and to save you scrolling back down to 6am, here are the top stories.

• Liverpool admire Osimhen
• Liverpool suffer transfer setback
• Saudi Pro League eye Darwin Nunez
• Feyenoord star reveals Arne Slot transfer talk
• Eintracht Frankfurt chief breaks silence after £50m Omar Marmoush Man City links
• Liverpool may be set for defensive transfer disappointment
• Elon Musk Liverpool takeover: Liverpool owners stance

Liverpool admire Osimhen

According to Anfield Watch, Victor Osimhen has emerged as a surprise attacking candidate for Liverpool.

The report claims that the Reds admire the Nigerian, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli. Osimhen has been the topic of intense transfer scrutiny following interest from PSG and Chelsea.

The interest saw him omitted from Antonio Conte's squad which forced the move to Turkey.

Anfield Watch suggested: "Liverpool really admire Victor Osimhen and (Michael) Edwards and (Richard) Hughes both view him as the ideal replacement for Nunez.

"Liverpool's interest in Osimhen goes back many years, with Edwards a keen admirer of the Nigerian since his first foray in European football in Belgium and then Lille."

Liverpool suffer transfer setback

According to BILD reporter Christian Falk, Bayern Munich chiefs are confident that Alphonso Davies will sign a new deal.

The Canadian is out of contract in the summer, however, they are in talks over an extension to keep him at the Allianz Arena, it has been reported.

Falk suggests it's a blow for Liverpool and Manchester United.

- Any reports I've seen suggesting Davies to Liverpool have been tenuous at best.

'Main aim is to win football matches and to win trophies'

Kostas Tsimikas has followed Harvey Elliott in expressing their intention to add silverware to Liverpool's trophy cabinet.

The Greek international could be set for a return to the line-up for the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Tottenham Hotspur and he has signalled his intent to win the cup.

He told the official Liverpool website:

"Of course [the team's hunger increases], because you are two games away from the final.

"I think everybody who is playing football, the main aim is to win football matches and to win trophies.

"I think for everybody in this club the expectations are high. Always we want to win every single trophy we have ahead. The only thing we have to do is to play good football and to win football games.

"When you play in a stadium like Wembley, it's pleasant to be there and especially when you win the trophy and make everybody in this club happy and all the fans who always travel there and show their amazing support we have in every single game.

"We are more than happy to celebrate all together and always we want to win trophies."

Feyenoord star reveals Arne Slot transfer talk

Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez has been doing the round tables in Holland, it seems.

Yesterday, he opened the door to a potential transfer to the Premier League and even an Arne Slot reunion.

In an interview with ESPN, he has revealed that he spoke to the Liverpool head coach (no, not in terms of a move to Anfield) over advice after interest from Nottingham Forest.

- Given how much that defeat to Nuno Espirito Santo plays on the Dutchman's mind, I think Santiago would have been off the Christmas list had he signed at the City Ground.

Anyway, he has also offered a 'told you so' to those who were skeptical over him succeeding Jurgen Klopp. He said:

"I spoke to him a couple of times when I got that offer. I asked him for his advice, and he gave it to me. The content of the conversation remains between us, but that was the last time we spoke.

"We are not surprised by what he’s [Slot] doing now at Liverpool. The football world didn’t know him that well, but we did. We knew what he was capable of and that he is a great coach, not just for Liverpool, but for any team."

Van Dijk and Salah tipped to stay - Alexander-Arnold expected to leave

Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will stay at Liverpool but Trent Alexander-Arnold's future lies elsewhere.

He suggests the 26-year-old is destined for a move to - they who won't be named - (Real Madrid). The Reds trio are into the final six months of their contract and the conversation remains pinned on their futures.

Speaking to Betting Expert, Di Marzio said: 2I think Salah can stay at Liverpool in the end. I think they can find a solution with both Salah and Van Dijk so they can stay.

“I don't see Salah in other teams. They want him to stay, and in the end, they can find an agreement. I really don’t see him at another club, but of course, a Saudi Arabian club could always try to convince him with money.

"At this moment, I don’t think Trent can leave. He will stay until the end of the season because Liverpool rejected the first bid.”

"He is not playing his best football at the moment, so I think he will stay and join Real Madrid at the end of the season."

- Although, he had one bad game, besides that his season has been pretty good...

Eintracht Frankfurt chief breaks silence after £50m Omar Marmoush Man City links

Eintracht Frankfurt sporting Markus Krosche has said 'something extraordinary' would have to occur for them to sell Omar Marmoush to Manchester City.

It emerged on Tuesday that Pep Guardiola's side were weighing up a bid for the Bundesliga star, after a blistering start to the campaign from the 25-year-old.

Reports suggested that the Premier League champions were plotting a move for a fee in the region of £50million. However, other claims explained that no contact had been made.

"Our basic intention is to keep the squad together," Krösche told Kicker. "Something extraordinary would have to happen for us to move away from this position."

Liverpool may be set for defensive transfer disappointment

Nottingham Forest are reportedly in talks over agreeing an extension with Murillo.

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool and Chelsea 'may' be disappointment by the development as Nuno Espirito Santo's side look to tie down the Brazilian defender.

It has been claimed that the defender has been on the Reds list of targets, while the Londoners are also said to be keeping an eye on his future.

Reports elsewhere suggest Murillo's asking price is in the region of £70million.

Elliott - "We should go and win it"

Liverpool playmaker Harvey Elliott has set his sights on successfully defending the Carabao Cup.

The 21-year-old was apart of the side that beat Chelsea at Wembley last year and being at least 180 minutes away from another final, Elliott wants to add another medal to his collection.

He told The Times:

"That we should go and win it again. I think you can see from the smile on my face what it meant. To play at Wembley is one thing.

"To win it and to be able to celebrate there, it’s another. And we have big achievements that we want to get to this season."

Elon Musk Liverpool takeover: Net worth and Liverpool links

We now know of this potential rumour, but who really is Elon Musk? To those on social media, he's the man who took over Twitter and made X what it is today.

Who is Elon Musk?

Elon Musk is a 53-year-old businessman who was born in South Africa. Musk is known for his roles in space company, Space X, Tesla and ownership of X Corp (which operates Twitter).

Musk is the wealthiest individiual in the world with an estimated net worth of $421 billion (four-hundred-and-twenty-one billion).

The businessman was born in Pretoria before moving to Canada aged 18, acquiring citizenship through his mother.

The tech-billionaire already has links to the city of Liverpool already. His grandmother, Cora Robinson, was born on Bridge Road in Mossley Hill in August 1923, eventually leaving England to settle in South Africa, where she married Walter Musk in 1944.

Elon Musk Liverpool takeover: Liverpool owners stance

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool's owners have no intention of selling the club, nor have they received an approach from Elon Musk.

They report that Liverpool insiders have played down the idea and Fenway Sports Group are said to be uninterested in the sale.

In 2023, FSG sold a minority stake to US investment firm Dynasty Equity, at which time president Mike Gordon said FSG's long-term commitment to Liverpool 'remained as strong as ever'.

Elon Musk Liverpool takeover: Reports intensify

Elon Musk, the world's richest man, has emerged as a possible takeover candidate for Liverpool, according to reports.

A seemingly nothing report has all of a sudden snowballed and his father, Errol Musk, has intensified the speculation with his comments on Tuesday.

Speaking to Times Radio, he said: "I can't comment on that [Musk's interest in Liverpool]. They'll raise the price. Oh, yes. But that doesn't mean he's buying it. He would like to yes, obviously. Anybody would want to so would I.

"His grandmother was born in Liverpool, and we have relatives in Liverpool, and we were fortunate to know quite a lot of the Beatles because they grew up with some of my family," Errol Musk added. "So, we are attached to Liverpool, you know."

'I'm not sure' - Spurs boss questions Salah

Ange Postecoglou has questioned whether Mohamed Salah could replicate his Liverpool form at Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs have endured a difficult run of late and the Australian tactician believes the Egyptian would struggle to match the expectations he's set on Merseyside.

"Mo is a world-class player, but if you put him in our team now I'm not sure he'll have that same level of performance because of the situation we're in as a group," he said.

"His attacking play, who do you need? You need a team that's kind of in good form, creating opportunities, playing on the front foot, having a really solid foundation of a defence that is cohesive. None of these things exist at the moment."

Man City handed significant boost

In Omar Marmoush news, according to Give Me Sport, Manchester City have been handed a significant boost if they meet Eintracht Frankfurt's demands before deadline day.

It has been claimed that the German side are prepared to sanction a move should their expectations be met.

City would need to match their £50million price-tag and the outlet claims they have an opportunity with Arsenal and Liverpool's focus elsewhere. The Gunners are said to be waiting until the summer before making a move, while the Reds are said to have made Mohamed Salah's contract a priority.

Mohamed Salah drops Liverpool team news hint

Liverpool are in the capital ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final after travelling down on Tuesday night.

The Reds are looking to continue their defence of the League Cup against Tottenham Hotspur.

Arne Slot's side are in the thick of a gruelling run with their Premier League ambitions clear, while the Champions League begins to kick into gear in the coming weeks.

First though, it's the domestic cups with a glamour tie against Accrington Stanley on Saturday (12:30pm), with the list of fixtures, you would suspect that there will be changes for both.

Mohamed Salah has moved away from cryptic social media posts, for the timebeing, and shared a snap on a plane with Ibrahima Konate and Kostas Tsimikas. As nice as the picture is, it does offer the thought-process going into the game that the three will be in the squad.

Dominik Szoboszlai is a doubt following illness, so it'll be interesting to see what role he plays. Same can be said for the trio, Konate is on the comeback trail and tired on Sunday against United, Tsimikas hasn't had a solid run of games for a while.