25 December 2023 , 05:00
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Liverpool may still be licking their wounds that they're not sat on the top of the tree on Christmas Day.
But if Saturday's draw with Arsenal will have done anything for the Reds, it will no doubt have given them confidence that they can claim their second Premier League title as they head into 2024. While the spoils were shared with the league leaders, a dubious penalty call and the clang of the Arsenal crossbar was all that separated Jurgen Klopp's side from taking top spot for the Christmas festivities.
With a Boxing Day clash against Burnley to come, Liverpool can hardly rest on their laurels. But Klopp may have some other pressing matters on his agenda with the January transfer window just a week away from opening.
Here are the latest transfer rumours and gossip from around Anfield.
Klopp hints at possible transfer
Jurgen Klopp admitted he hadn't had time to think Liverpool's left-back crisis through yet, in a hint he could be tempted to sign a new recruit in the January transfer window.
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Kostas Tsimikas suffered a broken collarbone against Arsenal and will now be sidelined for an extended period, while Andy Robertson is still yet to recover from his shoulder problem, leaving Joe Gomez to fill in as auxiliary left-back.
“Can Joe play all the games now until I don’t know when? I don’t know, we’ll have to see,” said Klopp. “Robbo will be back (next month) and Kostas will be definitely out for a long while. I didn’t have time to think it through yet, but it is really tough for us now.
Kostas Tsimikas' injury could force Liverpool into the transfer market (Getty Images)Who should Liverpool sign in January? Have your say in the comments below.
“You have injuries sometimes and you have to accept all of them, but a broken collarbone is really bad because it takes so long to heal. Robbo had a different injury, but it takes a long time to recover as well. We all know we need luck in these moments and now we have to just make sure we put Joey in cotton wool and make sure he is ready for the game.”
With Robertson back soon, it's perhaps more likely that Klopp will stick with Gomez until the Scot returns. Instead, Liverpool might consider bringing in a new centre-back in January as a long-term replacement for Joel Matip, while also providing extra cover centrally while Gomez fills in on the left.
Reds 'make enquiry'
Fluminense captain Nino has emerged as a potential target for Liverpool (FIFA via Getty Images)Speaking of centre-backs, Liverpool have reportedly lodged an enquiry with Fluminense regarding captain Nino.
The 26-year-old is a key player for the Brazilian club and featured in their Club World Cup final defeat to Manchester City a few days ago. Klopp may look to add defensive reinforcements sooner rather than later with Matip's contract expiring in the summer and Gomez now set to deputise for the injured Robertson and Tsimikas at left-back.
According to reports from Sportitalia (via Liverpool Transfer Room) , Liverpool are one of several clubs to have made contact with Fluminense to determine Nino's availability. His current contract is due to expire at the end of 2024, which could help Liverpool land him for a reduced price.
PSG land Liverpool target
Lucas Beraldo of Sao Paulo looks set to join PSG (AGIF via AP)Liverpool's interest in Nino may have been accelerated by the Merseyside club missing out on Lucas Beraldo.
The 20-year-old defender was reported to be a target for Liverpool following his impressive performances for Sao Paulo. But the centre-back now looks to have sealed a switch to Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £17million, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano (via Goal).
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Klopp is said to have identified Beraldo as a 'prospect for the future' as he looks to land a replacement for Matip. PSG beat off competition from a number of top clubs, including Bayern Munich, Zenit St. Petersburg and Wolves, and looks set to officially complete his move to the Parc des Princes in January.