Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Matt Addison

Reds 'lead race' for Portugal prodigy, England stars told to 'wait for Jurgen Klopp' - Liverpool transfer rumours rated

January might almost be over, but that will not mean the end of the speculation over who the Reds could be looking to bring in.

The chances of Liverpool making another signing to add to Takumi Minamino before the window slams shut next Friday appear to be very slim, though Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards have a long-term plan and are likely to know exactly what they want to do when the summer comes.

Here are your Sunday Liverpool transfer rumours rated.

Reds 'lead chase' for Portuguese prodigy

Who?

Rafael Brito, the 18-year-old midfielder from Benfica.

Where?

Reports in Portugal, via Forbes, claim that Liverpool are ahead of both Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race for his signature.

What?

The report states that despite him not having made a senior appearance yet, Liverpool are keen to acquire Brito and continue their policy of signing young players will high ceilings, like Harvey Elliott and Sepp van den Berg.

It claims a £38 million release clause is written into the player's contract, but this only becomes active once he makes his senior bow in the Primeira Liga.

It is claimed that the Reds almost signed Brito last summer, but narrowly missed out on getting a deal over the line, while elite development coach Vitor Matos, who arrived at Anfield from Porto earlier in the season, is supposedly a big fan of his.

Mateus Fonseca of Casa Pia AC with Rafael Brito of SL Benfica B in action during the Liga Pro match at Benfica Campus on January 11. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

England stars urged to make Anfield switch

Who?

Exciting young England stars Jack Grealish and James Maddison.

Where?

Pundits Stan Collymore (in the Daily Mirror) and Steve Nicol (via ESPN FC) are keen to see both players forget about interest from around the Premier League and wait for Klopp to call.

What?

Collymore says Grealish, who has become the first English midfielder to register 15 goals and assists since Frank Lampard in 2009/10, should move to Liverpool rather than any other side.

He said: "His talent deserves a better platform, and if you were to stick Grealish in that Liverpool midfield and let him service their magic front three, the kid could be one of Europe’s most effective midfielders.

"He could even have an England team built around him."

Nicol, meanwhile, wants to see Maddison play for the Reds, believing that while Manchester United are reportedly the most keen of the Premier League sides, a switch to either Liverpool or Manchester City would suit the Leicester City man more stylistically.

Jack Grealish of Aston Villa competes with James Maddison of Leicester City during the Carabao Cup semi-final match at The King Power Stadium on January 8. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)

Premier League return on the cards for ex-Red

Who?

Emre Can, the Germany midfielder who departed for Juventus but has since found life tough in Serie A.

Where?

TuttoJuve.com claim that as well as Everton reportedly being interested in Can, Jose Mourinho would like to see him at Tottenham this month as he seeks to reshape his Spurs squad.

What?

Mourinho is reportedly lining up a €30 million offer for Can, who has failed to live up to the expectations placed on him in 18 months at Italy's top club.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.