Liverpool’s January proposal “ready to be accepted,” according to transfer news. “$82 million” man back on the radar

News about transfers involving Liverpool: An old midfield connection is back, and Jürgen Klopp is looking to strengthen the defence with a January bid from the Reds that is “ready to be accepted.”

Liverpool has so far had a generally prosperous Christmas season. The Reds’ goalless draw with Manchester United was an uncomfortable setback, but they defeated West Ham United 5-1 on Wednesday to guarantee that the team’s hopes of winning four trophies will not fade in the coming year.

With goals from Curtis Jones, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai, the Reds won at Anfield and advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals. With a short pause before their next test against Arsenal on Saturday, Jürgen Klopp and his team will now need to return their attention to Premier League play.

After 17 games, Mikel Arteta’s team leads the rankings with just one point separating it from Liverpool in second place. If Klopp’s team wins, they will very certainly top the tree on December 25, unless Aston Villa has a dramatic goal differential comeback, which is feasible given their matchup with Sheffield United.

The previous time the two teams faced off at Anfield, Liverpool was unable to come out on top against The Gunners. Salah and Roberto Firmino’s goals salvaged a point for Klopp’s team, which had trailed 2-0 in the first half. However, since then, the team has undergone some significant changes.

January is approaching even if there won’t be any new signings before to that match, raising the question of whether Klopp will remain or change course. With matches against Newcastle United, Burnley, and Arsenal coming up, here’s Liverpool.com’s assessment of the transfer rumours circulating about the Reds today.

Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan)

Fichajes claims that Liverpool and Chelsea are now vying for Inter Milan’s Nicolò Barella, an Italian international. The 26-year-old has been one of Serie A’s most impressive players in recent years, and he played a major role in Inter’s success in the 2022–2023 Champions League final.

However, Simone Inzaghi’s team is set to put up a fight against any interested clubs. Currently leading Serie A, Inter is attempting to sign Barella to a new, long-term contract at the San Siro.

The midfielder, whose current Transfermarkt valuation is $82 million (£65 million/€75 million), has reportedly attracted interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle United.

According to Liverpool.com: Liverpool made significant midfield acquisitions this summer, including Wataru Endō, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai, all of whom would compete with Barella in the centre of the pitch. Liverpool might be better suited allocating its funds on defence and other parts of the team, rather than selling players like Thiago Alcântara.

Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP)

Portuguese powerhouse Sporting Club de Portugal is reportedly prepared to take Liverpool’s opening offer for defender Gonçalo Inácio in January, which is estimated to be about $49 million (£39 million/€45 million). Since the summer transfer season, Inácio’s name has been frequently associated with a move to Anfield, and the Reds have been widely connected to adding reinforcements to the defence.

But Jürgen Klopp’s team is trying to find a way around the player’s initial asking price of $65 million (£51 million/€59 million), according to earlier reports that Liverpool was unwilling to pay. Liverpool could potentially make a $49 million offer to sign the Portuguese defender in January, with the possibility of earning a further $16 million through future add-ons.

According to Liverpool.com, the club should prioritise defence recruitment in light of Joël Matip’s long-term injuries and the injury propensity of players like Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté. Inácio would provide a high ceiling and solid depth to the team. In addition to being able to contribute right away, he is a person who can advance and change with time.