Liverpool transfer news: Premier League ace not on radar, Klopp wants £22m striker as 10-year stalwart could stay

Posted by

Liverpool are looking to sustain a Premier League title push this season, and it could lead to Jurgen Klopp being active in the January transfer window.

The Reds currently sit six points adrift of league leaders Chelsea after 19 games, but look well placed to be Antonio Conte’s main rivals for the title.

No move for Hart

However, according to Sky Sports, one player that isn’t of interest to Liverpool either this month or at the end of the season is Manchester City loanee Joe Hart.

The England international has been sent out on loan to Torino for the season after being snubbed by Pep Guardiola, and question marks over his long-term future at the Etihad have also been raised.

Klopp will not be making a move for him though, as despite the uncertainty over summer signing Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet, he will keep his faith in the pair and avoid bringing in another shot-stopper.

Klopp eyes Jimenez swoop in summer

In contrast, as per Squawka, the title hopefuls have interest in £22m-rated Benfica striker Raul Jimenez, and could make their move to sign him in the summer.

The Mexican forward has scored eight goals in 18 games in all competitions for the Portuguese giants so far this season, and although it’s added that he won’t be leaving the club in January, Benfica could listen to offers at the end of the season.

Jimenez has enjoyed a stellar start to his career in Europe since moving in 2014, as the 25-year-old won the Spanish Supercup with Atletico Madrid two years ago before helping his current employers to a league and cup double last season.

His versatility and experience as well as playing in European competition makes him an ideal candidate to bolster Klopp’s frontline, as question marks remain over Daniel Sturridge in particular and so there could be some changes at the end of the season.

Lucas could stay at Anfield

As for current stars, Lucas Leiva may not be leaving the club this month despite strong suggestions that he was closing in on a move to Inter.

As noted by the Liverpool Echo, there were reports that the Brazilian stalwart had undergone a medical with the Nerazzurri, but Klopp isn’t happy with the terms of their offer.

It’s claimed that the current deal would send the midfielder on loan to the San Siro for the rest of the season, but there is no obligation for Inter to make it a permanent move thereafter.

That seemingly needs to change if Stefano Pioli wants Leiva, with the 29-year-old still potentially set to end his 10-year association with Liverpool sooner rather than later.

More Stories joe hart Lucas Leiva Raul Jimenez