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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Daniel Moxon

Liverpool linked with big Real Madrid swoop as Divock Origi and Nat Phillips interest grows

The January transfer window is already in full swing, which of course means Liverpool are being linked with a plethora of players from around Europe and beyond.

With a deadline of January 31 to get any deals over the line, Jurgen Klopp has the chance to bolster the options available to him if the right deal comes along.

As always, there is no shortage of names being mentioned in the same breath as the Reds.

We've had a look around for some of the latest rumours that have surfaced, and assess how likely they are to turn into concrete interest.

READ MORE: Liverpool should beat Chelsea and United to sign 'elite' £42m star

LIVE UPDATES: Latest transfer gossip including Danjuma, Bissouma and more

Who?

Divock Origi, Liverpool forward.

Where?

Sky Sports News.

What?

Sky Sports reckon Divock Origi 's entourage has been approached by three Italian clubs, all of them interested in negotiating a pre-contract agreement for a move in the summer.

Origi has made an impact on the side this season with a crucial winner off the bench against Wolves and another goal a few days later in Milan, but is yet to start a league game in 2021/22.

Divock Origi is a target for several clubs, according to reports (PA)

Along with the three Italian sides, newly-rich Newcastle United are also said to be keen on Liverpool's super-sub.

But reports of a £7m swoop are not likely to be on the mark, as the Reds are keen not to lose the Belgian on the cheap – even if it means Origi leaves for nothing in the summer.

Who?

Eden Hazard.

Where?

Spanish outlet El Nacional.

What?

Real Madrid superstar Eden Hazard has again been linked with a Liverpool move.

Catalonian site El Nacional reckons Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has specifically requested the transfer gurus at the club look at the former Chelsea forward.

The report goes on to say Liverpool are keen to do business as they need to reinforce their options in wide areas with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah away on international duty.

It also adds that, despite Hazard's difficulties in replicating his best form since moving to Spain, Klopp apparently reckons he could get more out of the Belgian than current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been able to.

Eden Hazard's Real Madrid career has never taken off (Getty Images)

The reality is Madrid would probably want a significant return on their £100m investment to allow Hazard to leave, and Liverpool are not likely to stump up that sort of cash for a man who turned 31 this week.

Recurring links to Hazard this winter are best viewed with skepticism.

Who?

Nathaniel Phillips.

Where?

Football Insider.

What?

According to the transfer rumour site, Watford are the latest Premier League side interested in a move for centre-back Nat Phillips.

The report says Hornets manager Claudio Ranieri is prioritising the addition of a new defender in this window, and the man who performed so admirably for Liverpool in the absence of other senior options last season is an ideal candidate.

Watford are apparently willing to offer £7m for his services.

It is not the first time Phillips has been linked with a move away this month, with several clubs registering their interest and Liverpool happy to sell for the right price.

But it will take more than that reported fee, with the Reds holding out for a fee between £12-15m for a man who signed a new four-year deal ahead of the current season.

Only then would the Englishman get his wish of being able to play more regular football than he currently can at Anfield.

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