Liverpool have been quiet in the summer transfer market, but this has not affected their season.
Now that we're in January, Arne Slot seems open to business with the Reds in the hunt for every tournament, even if they are now dealing with some injuries, especially in their backline. The new year is a tough time for business, but deals can still be made.
Much of the noise around Liverpool is about possible exits. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah both have just months to complete their current deals and there is talk of a move away.
Here's the latest news from Anfield.
Reds in race for Semenyo
Liverpool are one of a number of Premier League sides courting Antoine Semenyo, with Bournemouth bracing for transfer interest in their star striker. The Ghanaian international has been one of Cherries' top performers this season.
Semenyo is now being targeted for a blockbuster transfer, with Liverpool and Newcastle named as two of the teams interested in the former Bristol City man, who is valued at £50 million.
Any potential deal, whether in January or at the end of the season, could be helped by Bournemouth's interest in Liverpool's Ben Doak. The teenage winger flourished on loan in the Championship with Middlesbrough and could go in the opposite direction if Semenyo eventually moves to Anfield.
Closing with restraint on youth loans
Slot has backed Jayden Danns, giving the youngster a 'very good career' after scoring in Liverpool's 4-0 thrashing of Accrington Stanley. However, the manager admitted he is in the dark as to whether the striker will be loaned out in January. The 18-year-old impressed as a substitute.
Danns was due to leave Anfield on loan last summer to see regular action but was forced to curtail those plans after an injury setback. He marked his return with a substitute against Southampton in the League Cup and scored his first goal of the season on Saturday.
And while Slot remains uncertain about Danns' immediate future, he did give him a glowing review: “The latest [going out on loan in January]I don't know that at the moment. It is for us [today] it was all about the players who hadn't played that much, giving them playing time.
Endo's new role
Wataru Endo has struggled to find opportunities under Slot, but the Japanese midfielder could find more minutes in the backline as the player remains calm with his situation at Anfield.
He has yet to start a match and his appearances are limited to cup competitions. He replaced the central defender and showed his versatility. “I don't get frustrated or anything like that. I always try to be ready to help the team,” Endo said. “Of course I want to play every match, but we need everyone in the team. What I can do is prepare for every match.
Endo also added: “Now Joey has an injury and Ibou [Konate] just got back, that's why I played. The manager also thinks it is a good option to use me as a defender to play out his tactics, so I hope I will get a lot more minutes than before.”
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