Liverpool transfer latest: January window update as Arne Slot, Richard Hughes eye targets to boost Premier League title charge

Arne Slot's side were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by rivals Manchester United on Sunday and failed to extend their lead at the top of the table over Arsenal to eight points, though they do at least have a game in hand on the Gunners.

Slot's time at Anfield has been remarkably successful so far, with the Dutch manager winning 23, drawing four and losing just one of his 28 games in charge.

However, the Reds boss has not had the opportunity to add in any meaningful way to his squad considering his sole summer signing Federico Chiesa has only played 19 minutes in the Premier League this term.

Sporting director Richard Hughes has come under fire for perceived inactivity in the transfer market, but Lynch told Sports Mole that the club are actively looking at how to reinforce their defensive ranks, saying: "Defence is definitely an area they've been looking at for a while, and you look at Lenny Yoro over the summer - he's a player they liked, but as soon as Man United were coming in at those figures, they thought it wasn't the right move for them.

"One thing that might dissuade them from doing any business in January is the fact that the timing of the Gomez injury hasn't been too bad. We don't know about the extent, maybe three or four weeks, but we'll see how that one plays out, but in terms of timing, Konate and Conor Bradley returned [last] week.

"I don't think that they'll feel that their so light in defence that they have to do something in January. If they do do anything in January in defence, it would only be a signing that they're going to make in the summer, and that could be a centre-half because it's clearly acknowledged at Liverpool that Joe Gomez will leave this summer - that's the big expectation - so they could look to get ahead of that and get someone in."

Joe Gomez is likely to miss out on action for a number of weeks due to a hamstring injury, and though Ibrahima Konate returned to the starting lineup against Manchester United, it would be a risk to rely upon his fitness considering his extensive injury history.

Could anybody leave Liverpool in January?

One of the talking points after the Merseysiders' draw on Sunday was the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold given his poor performance, but it would seem unfathomable that Liverpool would allow the right-back to depart to Real Madrid in January given they look like clear favourites for the Premier League title.

Chiesa has also been linked with a move away from Anfield for some time, with reports suggesting that the Italian has been homesick this season.

Lynch expressed his belief that Liverpool are not likely to sanction his departure considering the extensive work that has been done to get him match fit, telling Sports Mole: "I'd be surprised if [he left], just on the basis that they are working hard to get him fit. Obviously, it's been disappointing - the very little that we've seen from him so far - and he's just struggled to get fit and adapt after missing pre-season.

"[It's] one of those where [people are] reading between the lines and seeing that he's not playing very much, therefore [he must] be desperate to leave. Liverpool are still keen to get him fit and see what he's about. There are opportunities coming up as well if he can get fit. You look at that Accrington game in the FA Cup, the League Cup doubleheader against Tottenham. These are games where he could get opportunities.

"I'd like to think he's going to be around for those, and I'd be surprised if he's jettisoned. If he was, it wouldn't be a great look for the sporting director - one of his first big signings not really working out - so I'd be surprised if he goes anywhere in January."

Loanee Ben Doak has been subject to interest from both Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town, though it remains to be seen if the clubs match Liverpool's reported asking price of £30m.

Can Liverpool win the Premier League without reinforcements?

While Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 24 games in all competitions, they have drawn three of their six most recent Premier League games.

The Reds can in all likelihood afford to continue dropping points seeing as title rivals like Arsenal and Chelsea have so far not shown the consistency needed to win the title.

However, it will concern Slot that his side have conceded 11 goals in their past six top-flight fixtures, as many as they had in their previous 15 league games.

Liverpool could also lose Mohamed Salah, Virgil and Dijk and Alexander-Arnold for free in the summer, and replacing the trio while also attempting to improve other areas of the squad could prove unrealistic.

Though making stop-gap signings this winter could have consequences in the long term, the Merseysiders would almost certainly benefit if they conducted business sooner rather than later.

Written by

Lewis Nolan