Liverpool Transfer News: Salah, Rakitic, Tello And Hughes Discussed In Latest January Rumors

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has not been shy in stating that he is eager for the club to add to his squad in January and the Reds continue to be linked with several new signings. The Reds have recruited significantly in each transfer window since Rodgers took the reins and with Liverpool having a real chance of securing a return to the Champions League, this month is unlikely to prove any different.

Speaking earlier this week, Rodgers confirmed that the club was working vigorously to bring in the right players, while also denying that any deal was close to completion.

"There's nothing to add on anything with regard to players coming in,” he said, according to Liverpool’s official website. “There's nothing imminent.

"Obviously the recruitment team are busy putting things together in terms of the profile of players we need here to improve the team and the squad. The owners have invested millions upon millions into the team; every window we arrive in looking to improve it where we can. This window will be no different.”

The most advanced transfer appears to be for FC Basel winger Mohamed Salah, with recent reports even suggesting that a £7 million fee has been agreed between the sides. Local publication the Liverpool Echo, though, has asserted their understanding that such claims are jumping the gun, with only initial talks having taken place over a deal.

Salah was an impressive presence for Basel as they reached the semifinals of the Europa League last season and the Egypt international scored in both of his club’s victories over Chelsea in the Champions League this term.

It appears that a new wide man features highly on Liverpool’s list of priorities with the club again being strongly linked with Barcelona’s Cristian Tello. The 22-year-old signed a new contract at the Camp Nou last season but has continued to find first-team opportunities difficult to come by, starting just two games combined in La Liga and the Champions League this campaign.

Spanish sports daily Marca recently claimed that the Spain Under-21 international was on the verge of a move to Anfield.

The main transfer objective that Liverpool missed out on during the summer was a quality No. 10. Their leading target, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, opted to join Borussia Dortmund of moving to Anfield. While Jordan Henderson has performed admirably in that position of late, Liverpool may still be looking for a more creative figure to fill the role. The Reds are one of a number of clubs to be linked with Sevilla’s Ivan Rakitic, who has just 18 months remaining on his contract with the La Liga side. Perturbed by the number of high-profile departures from the club in recent times, the Croatia international has again been coy about his future.

"Now, news does not exist about my future," he said, according to Sky Sports.

"I have returned from my holidays and during these dates I did not use the phone. I will attend a meeting with the Sevilla directors and speak with calm. After, I will decide the best option for me in all senses."

Meanwhile, recent reports suggest that it is a matter of time before highly rated Derby Country midfielder Will Hughes moves to Anfield. The England Under-21 international has been linked to the majority of the Premier League’s big clubs for some time, but the Daily Mirror now claims that Liverpool have secured a first-option deal on the talented 18-year-old. The arrangement was reportedly secured after Liverpool allowed young defender Andre Wisdom to remain on loan with Derby for the remainder of the season.

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