Here is your Liverpool morning digest for Sunday, January 2.
Newcastle transfer could make Liverpool millions
Newcastle United are expected to be one of the busiest clubs in the January transfer window and beyond and have already been linked with a move for Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips.
That makes sense given their problems in the defence have been one of the major reasons why Newcastle have found themselves marooned in the relegation places since the start of the Premier League season.
But Magpies fans will be hopeful their side, who have conceded 42 goals, the joint-highest in the top flight, will start to pull away from danger in January.
That's because new boss Eddie Howe is expected to be backed in the transfer window, which opened today, by the club's new owners.
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One of the defenders they are reportedly looking at is Phillips, who will be allowed to leave Liverpool this month if the price is right.
But Newcastle are not the only club expected to be interested in the 24-year-old, who is recovering from the injury he sustained in the Champions League win at AC Milan last month.
But even if Phillips does not end up in the North East, the Magpies could still end up swelling Liverpool's coffers.
That's because Newcastle want to sign Dominic Solanke, according to a new report .
In January 2019 the striker was sold by Liverpool to Bournemouth, then managed by Howe.
The ECHO understands that all the add-ons that were included in the deal that took Solanke to the Vitality Stadium have been activated, with most being physically paid.
That means Liverpool will have banked £24m in total for the one-capped England international after Bournemouth signed him for an initial £19m.
But the Reds could be set for a further pay-out should the Cherries be persuaded to sell the in-form Solanke.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
Roberto Firmino tipped to leave Liverpool in ‘big’ January transfer
Roberto Firmino has been tipped to swap Liverpool for Aston Villa during this month’s transfer window.
The January window is officially open for Premier League clubs, with rumours set to swirl over the next month.
Firmino has made just 15 appearances in all competitions this season, but has been hampered by two separate muscle injuries.
Villa currently have Reds legend Steven Gerrard in charge as manager, and former player has tipped him to make a move for Firmino.
Former Villa and Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has predicted that, due to not featuring as much this season, Firmino could leave Anfield and sign for Villa before the window closes.
“It’s only my gut feeling, I think they’ll go for one big Liverpool player,” Cascarino told TalkSport.
“I’ve got a feeling, I wouldn’t be surprised if Firmino went to Villa.
“And I say that because there’s always puzzles to managers and their former clubs. They love going back to people they work with.”
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
