Liverpool and a handful of its rivals will return to action this weekend as the Premier League title race begins to heat up. The Reds sit at the top of the table currently, while Manchester City continues to apply pressure in second place — though Pep Guardiola’s side will sit this one out as it enjoys its winter break, giving the Reds a chance to move five points clear at the summit.
While full focus will now switch to Sunday’s clash against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, Jürgen Klopp must also keep one eye on the January transfer window, especially when you consider the current injury issues plaguing his squad.
Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and now possibly star man Mohamed Salah are just a few of the first team stars to have picked up setbacks across the season, as the selection issues for the Liverpool boss continue to mount. Regardless of these dilemmas, the Reds have maintained a strong degree of form in their recent clashes after picking up back-to-back wins against Arsenal and Fulham in their last two fixtures.
Clubs across the world will be hoping this is not something Liverpool can maintain without several key players, although Klopp will be buoyed by a number of imminent returns, and optimism at Anfield is high. Liverpool.com takes a scan around the other big sides in the Premier League and around Europe to take a look at the news going on at rival teams, with a focus on the Manchester clubs today.
Manchester United to rival Liverpool for signing
Manchester United has joined Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Japanese defender Kou Itakura. That’s according to Football Transfers.
The Borussia Mönchengladbach star is capable of playing at either center-back or within midfield and has a release clause of around $16.5m(£13m/€15m). Klopp’s side has been linked with a move in the past but will now face stiff competition from United and the new financial backing of Oldham-born billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United sees the player as the perfect addition to provide competition for France international Raphaël Varane, whose future currently remains uncertain at Old Trafford. While Liverpool has been linked, Klopp has played down the chances of signing a new defender in January.
Florian Wirtz eyed by Europe’s elite after shining for Xabi Alonso
Beyer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz is being closely monitored by Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. That’s according to Sport Bild.
