Liverpool may have started the January transfer window with a bang thanks to the signing of Cody Gakpo, but things have been much slower going since then.
The Reds' stalling transfer moves come at a time when Jurgen Klopp's side are struggling, having suffered a dire defeat at Brighton on Saturday. The main area of weakness is central midfield, a problem that has been obvious for some time.
But it appears that Liverpool are sticking to their original plan of waiting until a summer move for Jude Bellingham to upgrade that part of their squad. Here, Mirror Football rounds up the latest Liverpool transfer news.
Liverpool step up Bellingham talks
Liverpool are reportedly stepping up their talks with Jude Bellingham, though Jurgen Klopp is yet to speak with the Borussia Dortmund star. Bellingham is the Reds' top target for the summer window, with Klopp hoping he is the solution to his side's midfield problems.
According to Sky Germany, transfer chiefs at Anfield have taken responsibility for those talks, with Klopp having not yet held discussions with the England international. The Reds are said to be 'optimistic' that they will successfully sign him in the summer.
They are also understood to believe that Bellingham is keen on a move to Merseyside. While no official bid has yet been submitted, it is stated that Liverpool have 'offered' to make him the 'next Steven Gerrard'.
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Real Madrid set Bellingham challenge
Liverpool are not the only team interested in signing Bellingham, with a range of other clubs also eyeing the England international. Real Madrid appears to be their closest rivals though, with Los Blancos continuing to overhaul their squad.
Reports have now emerged that Bellingham's representatives have told Madrid that they are also in talks with Liverpool. So far, there is thought to be 'no favourite' to sign the midfielder.
Instead, Bellingham is 'investigating' his options ahead of an anticipated summer move. With no release clause in his contract at Dortmund, it could come down to which club is willing to pay the highest fee.
Arthur seeks exit
Arthur Melo's loan move to Liverpool has been nothing short of a disaster, with the midfielder still yet to make an appearance in the Premier League. The 26-year-old arrived in the summer, but injury has kept him sidelined for much of the campaign.
He could be offered an escape route out of Anfield though, with Canal do Facincani claiming Palmeiras are eyeing a move for him. Arthur's representatives are said to be working on a deal that would see him return to his native country.
A move in January is likely to be 'very complicated' though due to his high wages at parent club Juventus. But Palmeiras have 'dreamed' of signing the midfielder, with their season set to start in April.
