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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Dan Marsh

Liverpool transfer round-up: Reds adopt Thiago Alcantara stance after Xavi's demand

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is likely to already have one eye on the January transfer window as the Reds bid for a second Premier League title in three years.

And Klopp could be in need of reinforcements as the injuries pile up once again at Anfield.

Sadio Mane was forced off in Senegal's 1-1 draw with Togo in midweek - although the severity of that injury has already been downplayed.

Although the Reds fell to their first league defeat of the season against West Ham just before the international break, Klopp's side are perched nicely in second spot, just four points behind early pace-setters Chelsea.

Liverpool have history when it comes to wrapping up deals just after the festive period, with both Virgil van Dijk and Takumi Minamino joining in the winter window in previous years.

Mirror Football rounds up all the latest transfer news from Merseyside as the New Year draws closer...

HAVE YOUR SAY! Do you think Folarin Balogun would be a good signing for Liverpool? Comment below

Reds adopt Thiago stance

Liverpool have reportedly decided they will not let Thiago Alcantara leave the club, despite interest from Barcelona.

Thiago has only been at Liverpool since the summer of 2020, but has already been linked with a move away.

Newly-appointed Barca boss Xavi Hernandez has reportedly asked Nou Camp officials to do all they can to re-sign the midfielder as part of his squad rebuild.

But Liverpool have no interest in letting him go, according to Spanish outlet AS.

Thiago came through the youth academy at Barcelona before making his debut aged 18, but left for Bayern Munich in 2013 after Pep Guardiola took charge of the Germans.

While a return to the Nou Camp may be appealing, Thiago is under contract at Anfield until 2024, so it seems unlikely he will return.

Shock Sterling return?

Raheem Sterling has been linked with a shock return to Liverpool (PETER POWELL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Raheem Sterling has been linked with a host of clubs over the past couple of weeks with his Manchester City career stalling this term.

But has the rumour mill now gone into overdrive with a potential return to Anfield now mooted?

That's according to Fichajes, who have outlined that Sterling could be an attractive proposition for his former club.

Sterling's reported £45million price tag wouldn't overawe the Reds as they seek to freshen up their ageing frontline; with that figure seen as "more than affordable" according to the report.

But it remains to be seen if they would be interested in a reunion with Sterling - who has been villainised by the majority of Reds' fans ever since his £50m departure back in 2015.

Despite his starring role for England at Euro 2020 this summer, Sterling has started just three Premier League games under Pep Guardiola this term.

And Sterling admitted earlier this month that he would be open to a move away from City following his lack of action this term.

It would be one of the most shocking moves in recent Premier League memory though if Sterling was to return to Merseyside.

Klopp keen on Merino swoop

Much has been made of Liverpool's failure to replace Gini Wijnaldum following the Dutch midfielder's move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

And it appears that Klopp is keen to make amends by sealing a swoop for Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino.

According to El Nacional, the Reds are set to battle with La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona for the 25-year-old's signature.

Merino has established himself as a key player for the Spanish national side and has racked up three goals and two assists for Sociedad in his 17 appearances so far this term.

The report goes on to state that Sociedad are likely to demand a sum of £34m for their star man - which is unlikely to deter Liverpool from plotting a move in the New Year.

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