Liverpool transfer news recap - Darwin Nunez future, Milos Kerkez interest, Mohamed Salah latest

What Slot has said about Chiesa's future...

In December, Arne Slot explained why it's been so difficult for him to integrate Federico Chiesa. He said: "What's difficult is we play so many games, and what he needs is playing time.

"The problem is if you haven't played for five or six months, it's difficult for a manager to give him his first minutes because you don't know what to expect. Yes, you see him on the training ground, but ideally, you'll see him in a friendly during the week or a U21 game.

"But that's not the situation we have because we play so many games. Maybe the Southampton game will be a good moment for him to get some playing minutes, then we'll know what to expect from him."

Slot added: "We see his quality, we know his quality, but he needs to get his fitness level, and if you only have training that's not the same as playing time. You need playing time to reach those fitness levels."

Is Man City's latest spending spree a sign?

Stefan Borson believes that Manchester City's latest spending spree is a 'sign of confidence' following their dispute with the Premier League. Speaking to The i Paper, the football finance expert said: "It’s all a sign of confidence.

"All of the spending and recent commitments are meaningful in my view. Anyone who tries to argue this is all some kind of elaborate sleight of hand isn’t credible."

Borson added: "Any sensible business faced with this kind of scenario, with all that risk and uncertainty, would pause if they had a lack of confidence in the outcome of the case. You’d go: ‘We don’t know where this is going, this season has been a bit of a disaster, let’s be cautious and have a look at it again in the summer with more clarity.’

"So, unless you were supremely confident, you’d be cautious. And City are clearly investing aggressively. It’s consistent with the confidence they’ve articulated all the way along."

Slot makes honest Liverpool players admission

Arne Slot has admitted his players proved him wrong once again following Liverpool's dramatic late victory at Brentford. When asked about whether he had any doubt they would break the Bees' resolve as the game ticked into injury time, the Dutchman said: "Yes of course I had doubts about that.

"Before we scored the two goals, it felt like I was looking at the same game again and again and again and the same pattern. I said already a few times that against Manchester United the other week, everyone was focused on the (Harry) Maguire chance but the seven minutes before we had three open chances

"So many times in recent weeks, against Tottenham we missed a lot of chances, against Forest we missed a lot. It would have been a bit surprising that after all the chances we missed today we would probably score in the last five minutes. But the players proved me wrong – again."

Barcelona want Liverpool star

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona have shortlisted Luis Diaz. The report states that the 28-year-old winger has been branded a 'priority signing' by the Catalan outfit as they look to bolster their frontline.

Last summer, Nico Williams was heavily linked with a sensational move to Barcelona. But, following Xavi's departure, Deco – the club's sporting director – has shifted his attention to Diaz.

Reports in Colombia, namely from Antena 2, have claimed that the Spanish giants considered sending Liverpool an offer in the summer. Keep your eyes peeled...

Slot provides update on Elliott's future...

Arne Slot has refused to be drawn on speculation linking Harvey Elliott with a move away from Liverpool but admitted the midfielder has made his frustrations known at a lack of game-time this season.

"The last thing you asked (Elliott's game-time) is completely sure," Slot said. "It would be weird if he would come to me and say: 'I'm so happy with the playing time I have at the moment'.

"But the first thing you ask me (transfer speculation) is the same answer every single time. We don't talk about rumours where people talk about players who are in contract talks or if we are linked with players or our players are linked with other clubs.

"That he wants to play more he should because if he was happy with his current situation that would be the wrong thing..."

What Salah has said about his future so far...

Mohamed Salah has been open about his Liverpool future while Anfield chiefs have worked towards securing a contract extension – though at this stage to no avail. The 32-year-old winger will see his contract expire at the end of the season.

At the start of the month, Salah admitted: "Do I believe this is my last season? So far, yeah. It's the last six months. There is nothing, no progress there and we are far away from any progress, so we just need to wait and see."

Liverpool to replace Robertson in the summer!

In a column for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson backed Liverpool to sign a replacement for Andy Robertson in the summer transfer window. The Sky Sports pundit said: "Liverpool have had some issues at left-back with Andy Robertson struggling to find form.

"I don’t think they will bring in a new player to replace him in January though. They will most likely switch between Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas till the end of the season and then look for a replacement."

Milos Kerkez has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield recently as he continues to impress for Bournemouth. The young left-back scored in th Cherries' 4-1 win over Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Saturday afternoon...

Liverpool reportedly eye Wolves star – but it's not Cunha!

According to Pete O’Rourke on the Inside Track podcast, Liverpool are considering a move for Joao Gomes from Wolves. The journalist claimed that if Vitor Pereira's side are relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season, the 'door could open' for the Reds to swoop in.

It's said that the 23-year-old is viewed as the 'perfect signing' by Liverpool, with Arne Slot eager to sign a combative midfielder. While Wolves are in fight for survival, Gomes – along with Matheus Cunha – has caught the eye.

What Slot has said about Nunez

And Slot believes he can help Darwin Nunez finally click at Anfield. When asked if the striker was fighting to prove his long-term future, he said: "It's never, 'Here Darwin, you can score'. Every time we put in a cross I see a defender all over him.

"I see it, referees unfortunately don't. It's more difficult to score against a team like Forest because every time we had a chance they had six, seven, eight, nine or 10 players in the box. yard box. And the one time (Chris) Wood had a chance he was there almost on his own.

"We weren't really close to the ball. They only had one chance, we had 15. But with the 15 we had there was always someone close to the ball or all over one of our players. Darwin will score his goals. He already did and he will again..."

Slot was right all along, I guess?!

Liverpool put on red alert!

According to Sky Sports Germany, Rayan Cherki and Olympique Lyonnais have reached a 'verbal agreement' to part ways on one condition. The report states that the French outfit will let the 21-year-old midfielder leave if they receive a £19m (€22.5m) bid.

It's said that Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are all keen on Cherki. The France youth international has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in the past and, with Mohamed Salah facing an uncertain future, he could be a brilliant coup.

Chiesa wants to STAY at Liverpool

According to Valter De Maggio, Federico Chiesa has decided he wants to STAY at Liverpool despite reports linking the forward with a move back to the Italian top flight.

Speaking on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, as quoted by Italian outlet Vesuvio Live, the journalist said: "Federico Chiesa’s name can be crossed off the list of possible replacements for Kvaratskhelia.

"From a direct source, Chiesa is very happy in Liverpool, he is happy, he will not move. Liverpool also will not sell him, neither permanently nor on loan. Therefore Chiesa will not be Kvaratskhelia’s heir.

"Garnacho is the first choice overall, Manna is working on it..."

More on Nunez and his future at Liverpool...

According to the MailOnline, Darwin Nunez has attracted interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, but Liverpool haven't received any official approaches for the striker. The 25-year-old striker has been linked with a move away from Anfield for some time now, having failed to impress.

Nunez, who sees his contract expire in June 2028, has featured 26 times for the Reds across all competitions this season, yet he's averaged just 53 minutes an appearance. The Uruguay international has struggled to force himself into Arne Slot's starting lineup, with Diogo Jota often preferred down the middle.

Even when the Portuguese ace has been out, Luis Diaz has been given the nod...

Liverpool XI vs Brentford

#LFC v Brentford: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz.

Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Chiesa, Jones, Elliott, Robertson, Quansah, Bradley

One change from Tuesday's draw at Nottingham Forest.

Diogo Jota, meanwhile, is not involved

Brentford vs Liverpool LIVE - team news, TV channel, kick-off time, score and commentary stream

Follow of the ECHO's coverage from the Gtech Community Stadium here, where Paul Gorst and Ian Doyle are in attendance.

Arne Slot sends Harvey Elliott message amid Liverpool transfer rumours

Arne Slot has refused to be drawn on speculation linking Harvey Elliott with a move away from Liverpool but admitted the midfielder has made his frustrations known at a lack of game-time this season.

Elliott is yet to start a Premier League game this term and was left on the bench on Tuesday night as the Reds were held to a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest. The England Under-21 international has started just two games this term, against Southampton in the Carabao Cup last month and the recent 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup.

The former Fulham teenager has featured for just 43 Premier League minutes so far this term, with a foot fracture in September leading to a near three-month spell on the sidelines between early September and late November.

Elliott was linked speculatively with a move away from Anfield earlier this month, with Brighton & Hove Albion and Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund both credited with an interest and while Slot did not shed any further light on those reports, the Reds' head coach suggested it "would be weird" if the 21-year-old was entirely happy with his current standing in the squad.

"The last thing you asked (Elliott's game-time) is completely sure," Slot said. "It would be weird if he would come to me and say: 'I'm so happy with the playing time I have at the moment'. But the first thing you ask me (transfer speculation) is the same answer every single time.

"We don't talk about rumours where people talk about players who are in contract talks or if we are linked with players or our players are linked with other clubs. That he wants to play more he should because if he was happy with his current situation that would be the wrong thing.

"But every single day he is working as hard as he can. But like Federico [Chiesa] - because many people ask about him, who is in competition with Mo Salah - Harvey is in competition with four or five very good midfielders, you may agree with me or not.

“And I like the way we played in the last 20-25 minutes at Forest so that for me is not a reason to change. If you want to bring that moment back, we played quite well in the first hour but we didn't create a lot then I made a substitution.

"I put Ryan Gravenberch as a centre-back and took Ibou (Ibrahima Konate) out because I wanted to create more chances. But if we then at a certain moment create a lot of chances I don't see it as necessary to make another change because we were all waiting for us to score a goal.”

Liverpool are about to get the answer to their most important question as leaks disrupt progress

This week's Blood Red column looks ahead to a potentially huge day in the Premier League title race as Liverpool are entertained by Brentford before Aston Villa travel to Arsenal

Read Paul Gorst's column here.

Kerkez 'interest' comes after Carragher called on Liverpool to sign left-back

Ex-Reds defender and 2005 Champions League winner Jamie Carragher recently called on Liverpool to sign a left-back if they want to win the Premier League this season.

After the 2-2 draw with Manchester United earlier this month, Carragher said: "The big worry for me now is Liverpool are starting to concede goals and chances. I still think Liverpool are the best team in this league, they've got more goals in this team and attacking talent than Arsenal.

"If you're Arsenal watching that, the thing would give you a lift is that Liverpool didn't win and you're seeing Liverpool concede goals and chances. People say Arsenal need a to sign a goal scorer, Liverpool need to sign a full-back in January.

"A left-back, Trent was poor today, Conor Bradley came in, I think Andy Robertson - absolute legend, love him to bits - is just hanging on and Tsimikas isn't quite at the standard to come replace him. If Liverpool could get a left-back in January, that would put them in a strong position to go and win the league."

Liverpool eye Robertson replacement?

Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez is reportedly one of several left-backs being considered by Liverpool as a replacement for Andy Robertson.

Scotland international Robertson has been the first-choice left-back at Anfield since arriving for Hull City in 2017.

But the 30-year-old, into the last 18 months of his current terms, has endured arguably the most difficult season of his Liverpool career and has been in constant competition with Kostas Tsimikas for a starting role.

As a result of such struggles, Robertson could find himself demoted to second choice next season. The Times reports that the Reds' sporting director, Richard Hughes, is assessing left-backs who could be available for transfer this summer.

The report claims that Bournemouth's Kerkez, who has excelled since joining the Cherries from AZ Alkmaar in June 2023, is one of the names currently being considered ahead a move a potential move to Anfield in 2025.

Darwin Nunez latest: Saudi Arabia interest in Liverpool striker 'genuine'

Mail Sport claims that interest in Darwin Nunez from the Saudi Pro League is genuine, although Liverpool are yet to receive any offers for the Uruguay international.

Nunez, 25, has scored just two Premier League goals for the Reds this season and earlier this week, was linked with a £70m move to Al Hilal.

Is the Uruguayan running out of time to prove himself at Anfield, Reds?

Arne Slot on Darwin Nunez claims and 'negative' Liverpool questions

Arne Slot has denied Darwin Nunez is playing for his future this season, insisting he and the Liverpool team need to instead figure out the best ways to utilise the striker's qualities.

The forward sat out Tuesday night's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest through suspension but has just two goals in 15 Premier League appearances this term and only four in 26 across all competitions.

The Uruguay international is expected to return to the squad when the Reds are entertained by Brentford on Saturday afternoon and while Anfield officials have firmly dismissed speculation of a move to Saudi Arabia this week, Slot thinks it is simply a case of playing more to his player's strengths going forward.

"For me, this is the same thing as if we played at 12.15pm and we lost," Slot said. "People would then probably say: ‘You weren’t awake because you played at 12.15’. When things are not perfect there are always a lot of things that are being brought up that don’t have so much to do with what is going on.

"Darwin is a striker we have to use in a certain way and we were not able yet to bring the best out of him this season. Against Accrington Stanley again you saw that he has a lot of pace but, unfortunately for him, most teams sit back a lot against us.

"If you look back at the goals he scored for us, I remember the one against Villa when he went around the goalkeeper on a fast break, that is his main strength - he has other qualities as well - but we are still working on getting him in the best possible positions against a low block.

"That involves the right timings, the right crosses, the right position to start from and making the right run. But I also see, and I don’t know if other people see this, the way teams defend our No.9 is something you have to give credit to the other teams for. It’s never: ‘Here Darwin, you can score’.

"Every time we put in a cross I see a defender all over him. I see it, referees unfortunately don’t. That’s why for us, in general, it’s more difficult to score against a team like Forest because every time we had a chance they had six, seven, eight, nine or ten players standing in the 18-yard box.

"And the one time Chris Wood had a chance he was there almost on his own. We weren’t really close to the ball. They only had one chance, we had 15. But with the 15 we had there was always someone close to the ball or all over one of our players. Darwin will score his goals. He already did and he will again."

Good morning, Reds!

Good morning, and welcome to our LIVE Liverpool transfer blog.

The Reds might be in Premier League action at Brentford this afternoon, but that won't stop the rumour mill from whirling.

Follow us throughout the day for the latest on Darwin Nunez, Andy Robertson and Luis Diaz.

Kvicha Kvaratskhelia announced

Paris Saint-Germain have officially announced Kvicha Kvaratskhelia's signing from Napoli.

The winger admired by Liverpool whilst in Italy arrives on a four-and-a-half-year contract, taking the No.7 shirt. Whilst not mentioned by the club themselves, it has been extensively reported elsewhere that he moves for a €70m (£59.1m) base fee with add-ons to come.

"It’s a dream to be here. I’ve heard so many positive things about Paris Saint-Germain. I feel immense pride in joining this great club and I’m really looking forward to wearing my new colours," the 23-year-old tells the club.

#WelcomeKvara pic.twitter.com/v3LEv8N1In

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) January 17, 2025

Alphonso Davies agreement 'close'

David Ornstein has just dropped another bomb this busy Friday night!

Linked to Liverpool in recent weeks, unfortunately the latest report suggests Alphonso Davies is close to agreeing a contract renewal with Bayern Munich.

The full-back would become a free agent in the summer, however with an accord likely based on this latest word, the Reds and other rumoured suitors would miss out and have to turn to alternate options in the market.

First pic in PSG colours

Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, pictured here embracing Paris Saint-Germain colours for the first time.

pic.twitter.com/1Bo2IUaLTK

— Loïc Tanzi (@Tanziloic) January 17, 2025

Kvaratskhelia a PSG player

L'Equipe in France say Kvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain is a done deal. The winger has reportedly signed his contract with an official announcement to be made soon.

Liverpool were interested, but that has not prevented the 23-year-old from pressing ahead with this move. It is worth €70m (£59.1m) excluding add-ons - the biggest deal of January so far.

Al-Hilal manager talks Mohamed Salah transfer

A January transfer to Al-Hilal has been ruled for Mohamed Salah by the club's manager, Jorge Jesus. However, he hinted towards summer as being the time the Egyptian could arrive from Liverpool.

Talking to the press on Friday he said: "Mo Salah or other big players will not come this winter… but maybe next season."

Late reports have speculated Salah with directly replacing Neymar Jr, who is out of contract this summer having barely played through injury over the last 18 months.

Liverpool priority

The Reds seem to have plenty on their plate, and that is just regarding off-field matters.

Via GIVEMESPORT, Fabrizio Romano has explained where Anfield chiefs stand this transfer window with their priorities set out clearly.

"New contracts remain the priority for Liverpool, in terms of plans and also of budget. For the January window, they will only consider great opportunities, or it will be nothing," he says.

Of course Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain huge players for Arne Slot's team. In recent weeks with injuries calls to sign a defender have increased - either a centre-back or left-sided full-back.

What would your priority be for Liverpool this January?

Trent Alexander-Arnold decision

With Spanish media blantanly adamant Trent Alexander-Arnold is committed to joining Real Madrid this summer, GIVEMESPORT say this is not the case at all.

The vice captain is said to be weighing up his options still with Liverpool unaware of anything that would make bargaining for a contract renewal futile.

Alphonso Davies meetings

It was stated by Christian Falk that today the agent of Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies would be leaving Germany and it is his intention to open discussions with clubs over a free summer transfer.

That included Liverpool, along with Manchester United and Real Madrid. The Canadian has five-and-a-half months remaining on his contract in Bavaria before becoming a free agent, as things stand.

Barcelona eye Luis Diaz

These rumours are nothing if not persistent...

Diario Sport, citing Antena 2 in Luis Diaz’s home country of Colombia, are reporting that La Liga giants Barcelona remain interested in the Liverpool attacker.

Apparently the 'final parameters' are being put in place for a summer bid, which could be worth up to €70m (£59.1m).