Liverpool head into today’s contest against Chelsea, twelve points behind Manchester City and without Jurgen Klopp
The former Borussia Dortmund manager will not be at Stamford Bridge, having tested positive for Coronavirus the day before.
His absence could be a huge blow for the Reds who have lost a lot of ground on Pep Guardiola’s side having lost to Leicester City and drawn with Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite the Premier League season only recently passing the half-way point, the signs are currently pointing to another City procession to the title.
However, Mirror Sport considers the three latest transfer rumours which could drag Liverpool back into title contention.
Firmino tipped to leave
Former Chelsea and Aston Villa striker Tony Cascarino has admitted he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Roberto Firmino moved to Aston Villa.
The Brazilian’s future at Anfield is up in the air with his current contract set to expire in June 2023.
However, Cascarino has tipped former Liverpool captain and current Villa manager Steven Gerrard to snap the striker up in the future.
“It’s only my gut feeling, I think they’ll (Villa) 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.
“Danny Ings hasn’t worked out at Villa. I’m surprised because I like Danny, I think he’s a terrific player but it doesn’t feel like it’s worked out. “I think Ollie Watkins needs a type of Firmino player to get the best out of him.”
Traore price-tag slashed
Wolves have sliced Adama Traore’s price tag to a bargain £18m, according to reports.
Klopp is a huge admirer of the Spanish international having previously described him as being “unplayable” in 2020.
Liverpool and Spurs were both linked with a move for the former Barcelona and Middlesbrough last summer but were allegedly put off by his hefty price-tag.
However, the Football Insider claim Bruno Lage’s cash-strapped side have slashed his price-tag to around £18m.
Wolves are desperate to sign new players but can only invest in new players if they are able to sell some of their assets.
Despite catching the eye with many dynamite displays in the Premier League this season, Traore’s end-product continues to illude him, as he is yet to register a single Premier League goal or assist.
Liverpool ‘in contact’ with Kessie
Liverpool have made AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie a “very interesting offer”, according to reports
The Ivory Coast star is one of the most sought after bargains in European football, with the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United, and Liverpool looking to sign him on a free transfer for next summer.
Kessie has six months left on his deal at Stefano Pioli’s side, but is now free to agree pre-contract agreements with potential clubs.
And Italian news outlet ANSA understand Liverpool are putting a “very interesting” offer together for the Rossoneri star.
Kessie is expected to depart the club for a free transfer at the end of the season, having rejected several contracts from the Serie A giants.
He has scored five goals in 16 Serie A appearances from midfield for Pioli’s side, who are still trying to keep pace with arch-rivals Inter Milan at the top of the table.
