Liverpool have a clear priority in the January transfer window – and it is very different to that of some of their Premier League rivals.
While some of their closest rivals need to strengthen their squads by bringing in new players, the Reds are focused on keeping what they already have. This means that new contracts must be signed for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The current contracts of the star trio expire at the end of June and they can therefore talk to foreign clubs about the possibility of a free transfer in the summer. That won't be a problem for Salah and Van Dijk, who are now expected to sign a two-year extension, but Alexander-Arnold is being courted by Real Madrid.
Liverpool have rejected an initial £20million bid for the 26-year-old, but the ball is now in his court. In the meantime, there are plenty of other stories to watch regarding transfers and the club.
Liverpool confirmed on Monday that young goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga has returned to Fluminense on a permanent contract. The 22-year-old joined Liverpool for £1.8million in 2020 but never made a first-team debut, having spent time on loan at Macclesfield, St Patrick's Athletic and Livingston.
With Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of him in the pecking order, he came closest to Liverpool's first team in seven matchday squads.
The club said in a statement: “Everyone at LFC wishes Marcelo the best of luck for the future.” Although he left on a free transfer, Liverpool reportedly have a 40 percent sell-on clause with Pitaluga, meaning they could be owed money in the future.
Captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to sign a new contract with Liverpool, but after Sunday's 2-2 draw against Manchester United he revealed that his stay is no closer to being confirmed.
He told Sky Sports: “I don't think so, but I'm calm about it, as I said months ago. We'll see what happens in the future and right now I have absolutely no update. What matters at the moment is for me and the team to concentrate on Spurs [on Wednesday night]. It will be another tough match, but a good one [Carabao Cup] semi-final.”
He also spoke about the Alexander-Arnold situation, saying: “I'm fine with it. Trent has his own people around him, his family and we are there too. He wants to perform to the best of his ability, just like we all do. That is the main focus. In my opinion, maybe ask him, that is the distraction… the game.”
Federico Chiesa's agent has confirmed that the Italian winger will remain at Liverpool this season despite links to Napoli. Chiesa has made just four appearances for Liverpool since joining the club in August for £10m plus a further £2.5m in add-ons from Juventus.
He has been linked with a return to Italy, with Napoli, Roma and his former club Fiorentina said to be interested. But his agent Vali Ramadan has dismissed these reports.
“Napoli did not negotiate a contract with Liverpool's Chiesa in the winter window and the club has no intention of selling the player,” he told 365scores. “The player will continue at Liverpool and will look for the opportunity to participate in the coming period. That is what I can confirm now.”
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