Liverpool makes James McConnell transfer decision ahead of January window opening

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Liverpool midfielder James McConnell is expected to return to Anfield after his loan spell at Ajax is set to be terminated early when the transfer window opens

Liverpool's James McConnell has endured a difficult loan spell at Ajax(Image: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Liverpool is poised to welcome back young midfielder James McConnell to Anfield after his loan spell with Ajax is set to be terminated early.

The 21-year-old has struggled to establish himself in Holland, managing just two starts during his temporary spell at the Johan Cruyff Arena. McConnell joined Ajax at the end of August following John Heitinga's departure from Anfield, where he served as Arne Slot's assistant, to assume the head coach position at the Dutch club.

The Englishman featured in the starting XI for his side's 5-1 Champions League defeat to Chelsea and also began when Ajax beat Twente in a league fixture four days later. However, he was withdrawn at the interval against Twente and has accumulated merely 219 minutes of action during his time in Amsterdam.

Heitinga, who had previously worked with McConnell at Liverpool, was relieved of his duties as Ajax manager at the start of November following a run that saw the team claim only one win in their last seven fixtures.

And according to The Athletic, McConnell will now return to Merseyside, with a decision on his future likely to be made at the end of the month.

McConnell has caught the eye of Championship sides West Brom, Derby, Oxford and Swansea, with the latter having appointed former Reds coach Vitor Matos as their new manager in November.

Nevertheless, Slot may decide to include the former England under-20s international in Liverpool's FA Cup third-round tie against Barnsley in January.

This could prevent another loan spell for McConnell before the campaign concludes, as players are restricted to representing just two clubs per season.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool have endured a difficult few months in the Premier League, dropping behind their title competitors after suffering six defeats in seven league fixtures between late September and the end of November.

However, the Reds have rallied in recent weeks, notching up three back-to-back league wins after besting Brighton, Tottenham and Wolves this month.

Slot's squad will be back on the pitch when they welcome Leeds on New Year's Day, before heading to Fulham just three days later.

Owen Beck is also set to return to Merseyside having failed to feature for Derby since arriving on loan due to an injury problem.