Top target identified as Michael Edwards pushes hard to secure game-changing January signing at Liverpool
Liverpool have money “set aside” and are ready to do all in their power to secure the signing of a quality new attacker in the January window, according to a transfer expert.
The in-form Reds continued their fine run of form by moving into the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night. Having also stayed perfect in the Champions League, Jurgen Klopp’s side go into 2022 still in the mix to win four trophies.
However, their Premier League title aspirations will likely take a hit in January with two of their star men heading away. Indeed, with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah heading to Cameroon for AFCON, Liverpool will be shorn of the services of their two leading lights for up to a month.
That is likely to hit the Reds hard. With a hectic run of games now also containing a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final, Klopp’s resources will truly be stretched.
But with the January transfer window opening in a matter of days, Liverpool do have a chance to find a fix.
Indeed, a number of star names are seen as potential targets for the Reds.
And, according to transfer expert Duncan Castles, Liverpool do have money available to spend.
Furthermore, he claims Porto star Luis Diaz is their No 1 target with Michael Edwards pushing hard to secure his signature.
Luis Diaz boasts impressive numbers
The Colombian has scored 12 goals and has three assists in 15 appearances for Porto so far this season.
“Liverpool have a budget and are targeting a top-level forward,” Castles told the Transfer Window podcast.
“So significant money to spend to improve that position.
“They’re ready to do it in January if the right player becomes available in the January window. If not, they will definitely do something in the summer if they have to wait on a particular player.
“And this player who is one of the candidates, it seems more likely they’ll have to wait until the summer to get him, is Luis Diaz at FC Porto.
“The difficulty for January is that I’m told Porto will not sell mid-season.
“He’s too important to the team. It would be unacceptable to the Porto supporters [to sell now] and they want to win the Portuguese league.
“So they say they’ve had no direct contact from Liverpool at this stage. They are aware though that Liverpool have been in contact with the player. However, their position is ‘we won’t sell in January, come back again in the summer’.”
Minamino earns Klopp praise
One man who will likely benefit from Salah and Mane’s absence is Takumi Minamino.
He was again on target in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, scoring a late equaliser as Leicester were held 3-3.
And while he missed from 12 yards in the penalty shootout, his performance earned plaudits from his manager.
“Top goal, top performance,” Klopp said. “When you change that much, that’s not 100 per cent fair. You then always expect that of him and for him to play his absolute A game.
“But he played a really good game today. From a tactical point of view he is outstanding and it’s so cool for him that he could score that goal.”
READ MORE: Klopp eyeing three Joe Gomez replacements as suitors step up interest
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