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Liverpool 'eye' head start in Arsenal transfer battle as Johan Bakayoko price tag 'revealed'

The latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours as the January transfer window draws ever nearer.

Johan Bakayoko

Johan Bakayoko of PSV(Image: KENZO TRIBOUILLARD)

It was a weekend for Liverpool to enjoy in the Premier League title race as Arsenal and Manchester City could not capitalise on the Reds' 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday.

Arne Slot's side looked set for just a second Premier League defeat of the season after Andreas Periera and Rodrigo Muniz put the Cottagers 2-1 up inside the final 15 minutes at Anfield, though that was until Diogo Jota emerged from the bench to snatch a point for Liverpool and keep them in pole position at the top of the Premier League.

Arsenal, meanwhile, could only manage a 0-0 draw with Everton at the Emirates, while Manchester City suffered a third defeat in five Premier League games as goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo secured a late, come-from-behind win for Manchester United at the Etihad.

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But you already knew that, didn't you?

Here, the ECHO looks at some of the Liverpool transfer gossip you might have missed.

Liverpool to battle Premier League rivals for Johan Bakayoko

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are ready to battle Newcastle United for the signing of PSV Eindhoven forward Johan Bakayoko.

It is claimed that the Magpies have been "quietly tracking" the Belgian for some time but the Reds are now ready to make a move for Bakayoko next month and in a "better" financial position to do so. It is claimed a deal could cost £50m.

Bakayoko has nine goal contributions in 21 games for PSV this season and is contracted with the Eredivisie outfit until 2026.

Reds eye Joao Pedro

Rumours of Liverpool's January business don't stop there, with CaughtOffside also claiming that the Reds are keen on a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion's Joao Pedro.

It is reported that the Reds are big admirers of the Brazilian - who has seven goal contributions in 10 Premier League games for the Seagulls this term - and could even start negotiations with their Premier League counterparts in January.

The report claims Brighton would want £60m to allow Pedro to leave the club.

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