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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Jake Bayliss

Liverpool move for Raphinha 'complicated' as Jurgen Klopp lines up two free transfer deals

As a New Year begins, Liverpool are busy preparing for their important clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp’s side lost ground in the title race last time out, with their defeat to Leicester City pushing them nine points adrift of Manchester City, albeit with a game in hand on the Premier League leaders.

But the New Year also marks the start of the January transfer window and Liverpool have been linked with moves for several players to help boost their title push.

And with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita away for the most of this month at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Reds have been touted with wide forwards, as well as midfield reinforcements, in particular.

READ MORE: Inside story of Liverpool recruitment and who will pull January transfer strings

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Here’s a round-up of the latest Liverpool transfer rumours and gossip.

Who?

Raphinha

Where?

Fabrizio Romano, via Anfield Watch

What?

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool are 'keeping tabs' on Leeds United forward Raphinha but has insisted that any deal may not be straightforward.

Romano, whose work primarily focuses on transfers, claimed the Reds will not rush to sign cover for Salah and Mane, though they would be willing to do business at a 'good price'.

Speaking to Anfield Watch, Romano reiterated their interest in Raphinha, having previously been linked with the Brazilian in the summer, but expects them to adopt a familiar stance of waiting to sign players for the right price.

"They like players like Raphinha from Leeds or (Arnaut) Danjuma from Villarreal. But it's very complicated to sign them in January,” he said.

"Liverpool were very clear last summer, they signed Ibrahima Konate and then they said if we find an opportunity we will replace (Gini) Wijnaldum or (Xherdan) Shaqiri. But with crazy price tags around they decided to stay with the current team.

“So I won't be surprised if they will do the same, but they are looking at the market.”

Who?

Matthias Ginter

Where?

Teamtalk

What?

Liverpool are reportedly 'leading the chase' for Borussia Monchengladbach’s Matthias Ginter.

The Germany international is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and Teamtalk claim the Reds are favourites to sign him.

However, the report does suggest that the Reds face competition from Inter Milan for the 27-year-old defender.

It has been suggested that the Italian club have offered Ginter a four-year deal but there is a 'growing feeling' that Liverpool will better that proposal.

Who?

Franck Kessie

Where?

Ansa , via The Mirror

What?

It has been claimed by reports in Italy that Liverpool have offered Franck Kessie a contract.

The AC Milan midfielder is set to become a free agent in the summer and has long been rumoured to be a target for the Reds.

Italian outlet Ansa has suggested that Liverpool have made the Ivorian a 'very interesting' offer.

However, as reported by The Mirror, Liverpool could face competition for Kessie’s signature from Tottenham Hotspur.

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