Liverpool Rumors: Reds Nearing Transfer Deal For First Signing Of January

Liverpool is all set to complete the transfer of Birmingham City’s Calum Scanlon, who is likely to become the club’s first signing of the January window.

The reigning English Premier League champions haven’t made quite a buzz in their recruitment ahead of the upcoming transfer window. But suddenly, the Reds are closing in on the transfer of Scanlon, having agreed to a fee of nearly £500,000 ($670,000), The Times reported.

The England international has emerged as a future star despite only playing several friendlies for the England U-15 team. Scanlon and his family are believed to be considering a move to Merseyside as he prepares to take a huge step in his young career, per Talksport.

Scanlon will be the latest addition to Liverpool FC Academy at Kirkby, where he will be honed by academy director Alex Inglethorpe.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has worked closely with Inglethorpe to ensure that the club doesn’t miss out on the most notable recruits.

Naturally a left-side defender, Scanlon can also function in the midfield and is viewed as a standout who can add intensity to Klopp’s squad in the future.

Aside from Scanlon, Liverpool also eyes Lille star Sven Botman as a potential reinforcement to the back department, with the Reds said to have reached out to his representatives already, French outlet Foot Mercato reported.

The Ligue 1 club is believed to have been experiencing off-pitch issues and is keen on offloading key players soon. The report added that Klopp’s side is looking to take advantage of Lille’s financial crisis by acquiring the services of the defender.

Botman is reportedly available at a fee of around £7.2 million ($9.6 million), but it was also noted that Lille would be swift to close a deal for £27 million ($36 million), an amount which could aid the club’s financial troubles.

Liverpool was believed to be ready to splurge as much as £45 million ($60 million). However, upon learning of Lille’s situation, the report revealed that the Reds are now likely to push for a bargain deal for Botman.

Botman’s arrival at Anfield could be a significant boost on Liverpool’s center-back unit after the English champions suffered a major blow due to the long-term injuries of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.

The 20-year-old only joined Lille last summer but has continued to impress in the French top-flight, having made his mark at Ajax.