The Latest Liverpool news and views as Arne Slot's team return to action on Tuesday evening away at Girona in the Champions League
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Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool
Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool are on track to go far in the Champions League this season having continued their 100 per cent win record after beating Girona 1-0 on Tuesday night. Arne Slot's side are guaranteed a play-off berth at very least heading into the final two games of the league phase.
On top of European successes, the Reds are also increasingly likely to take part in a gruelling Premier League title battle. With a game in hand over their rivals, the team sit top of the table - four points ahead of Chelsea, six further than Arsenal and eight beyond champions Manchester City.
Their lofty heights make it even more critical that the club get it correct in the January transfer window. They have one shot to reinforce Slot's squad, otherwise they will have to make do with what they have got into the business end of the 2024/25 campaign.
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With all of that in mind, below the ECHO has taken a look at some of the latest headlines surrounding Liverpool and their potential transfer dealings...
First up, Alisson Becker returned to the Liverpool starting line-up against Girona, for the first time since October 5. The No.1 goalkeeper has recovered from his latest hamstring issue.
During his absence Caoimhin Kelleher has performed as good as anyone could have dreamt, helping place the team in pole position for both the Premier League and Champions League. However, the Irishman is set to revert to his back-up role.
"I think Caoimhin has got to the point in his career now where he's going to have to make a big choice at the end of the season," ex-Red Jason McAteer told beIN Sports upon seeing Slot's team selection, adding: "If he wants a career somewhere else and play rather than just sit on the bench waiting to get in to play in a number of games for Liverpool."
He made the astounding suggestion: "Chelsea is the big one. [Robert] Sanchez, I don't think he's... no. I think you should get Caoimhin out now. I think his valuation certainly would have gone up over the last couple of seasons with what we've seen.
"You're probably maybe looking in the region of £30-40m for him. With [Giorgi] Mamardashvili coming in, I think that's saying to him 'go and have a career'."
Elsewhere, Liverpool have been quoted an increased price for Olympique Lyonnais playmaker Rayan Cherki.
He has been linked intensely since Lyon were placed under extreme punishment last month. The French club are facing enforced relegation from the country's first division should they fail to resolve substantial debts before the end of the season.
This could open the door for an opportunistic Anfield transfer, however it remains to be seen if Slot or club chiefs would be tempted.
Transfermarkt have freshly increased Cherki's market valuation, based on recent performances. In their database he had seen a price decrease earlier this term however two goals and one assist in his last four outings have seen him bumped back up to €30m (£24.7m).
Lyon have apprehensively stated that they believe they can retain their star player next month, despite their current mess.