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Liverpool will be desperate for three points later today as it heads to Leeds, but the club will also need to keep a keen eye out as the January transfer window approaches.
Arne Slot remains under pressure following a disappointing draw against Sunderland in midweek, and anything but a win at Elland Road would only turn the heat up on the Reds’ head coach.
With his side continuing to struggle, a dip back into the transfer market may be called for in the New Year, with a new defender surely the priority. The latest reports in Germany though suggest the Reds have decided against one of their options.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds on Saturday.
Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig)
Liverpool has made “very advanced” contact for Yan Diomande, according to Sky Sports Switzerland.
The 19-year-old only made the switch to RB Leipzig in the summer from French side Leganes, but has impressed with four goals and four assists across all competitions.
It’s claimed that the Reds see the Ivorian international as an option as part of a rebuild of the forward line, amid more speculation over Mohamed Salah's future, with Saudi Arabia said to be in a position to fund a transfer.
Tottenham is also said to be interested in Diomande, although Leipzig is yet to undergo any negotiations with a club so far.
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Liverpool.com says: Liverpool will have to look to the future with its forward options pretty soon. Regardless of whether Salah rediscovers his form this season or not, the fact remains that he'll be out of contract in 18 months, and it's a lot less likely that he'll get another renewal this time.
Signing a 19-year-old who has only been in the Bundesliga for a few months would be a big call right now, so it might be a case of keeping an eye on Diomande for the remainder of the campaign, but if he keeps scoring, expect to see the speculation ramp up.
Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)
Nico Schlotterbeck is NOT a current priority for Liverpool despite recent links with the Borussia Dortmund defender, according to BILD.
Schlotterbeck is one of the few defenders who has been touted as a potential alternative to Marc Guehi, although the latest reports from Germany claim that the Reds have decided against making a bid, although he has been discussed at Anfield.
Dortmund, meanwhile, is said to be determined to extend his contract, and an improved offer could be in the offing that places him among the club’s highest earners at €10 million ($11.7M).
Liverpool.com says: You can understand why Liverpool might not want to go in for Schlotterbeck just yet. He is under contract until 2027, so Guehi should be a priority for the time being, given the Reds would be able to get him for cheap next month or for free in the summer.
But just because they've decided against him for now, it doesn't mean Schlotterbeck should be ruled out completely. Liverpool needs to have some options in mind in defense, considering Ibrahima Konate's future still isn't sorted, and Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are both out of contract in 2027.
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