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Liverpool transfer news today: Real Madrid plan to steal £80m player as emphatic statement…

Arne Slot Carlo Ancelotti 2024-25

Here's all your transfer news for Wednesday 18th December.

Manager delivers EMPHATIC statement on Caoimhin Kelleher’s future

Caoimhin Kelleher proved this with a 10-game run of outstanding performances over the past two months, filling in for the injured Alisson.

But, in his return to the team, the Brazilian number one doesn’t look like he has missed a step at all.

It’s unfortunate for Kelleher, who would arguably start at any other team in the entire league.

An additional factor is how not playing will affect his chances for his national team, the Republic of Ireland. On that, Irish manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has been alarmingly clear.

“We would like our players to play,” he stone-facedly replied when asked about a series of Irish players that are struggling for game-time at the moment, according to The Mirror.

“I will answer this question the same way whoever it is. As a national team coach, you would always like to see your players playing,” Hallgrimsson continued, “Whether it’s Evan [Ferguson] or someone else. It’s our preference. We would like our players to play.

“The same with Caoimhin [Kelleher], we don’t know if he’s going to play games for Liverpool even though he’s done brilliantly.

“Should he go and try to play somewhere else? It applies to everyone. For a national team coach, of course you would like your players to be playing all the time.”

Real Madrid plan to STEAL Liverpool player in £80m deal

Dominik Szoboszlai for Hungary

The links between Liverpool and Real Madrid this season have been alarmingly regular for sides that are supposed to be direct rivals.

Madrid’s defeat of the Reds in the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals were tough pills to swallow, but running Los Blancos off the pitch a few weeks ago was a welcome tonic.

There has been constant chatter of Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially heading to the Spanish capital should he choose to not renew his contract on Merseyside, and Jude Bellingham is reportedly constantly working to convince his friend to leave his boyhood club.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have been linked to both Real Madrid stars Rodrygo and Aurelien Tchouameni for the entirety of the season. This is part of their need to replace Mo Salah in the long term and Arne Slot’s desire to solidify his midfield.

And Spanish outlet Fichajes are now reporting that Real Madrid have logged their interest in Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool READY to move for wonderkid already DESTROYING professional teams

Richard Hughes Liverpool 2024-25

One of Liverpool’s biggest success stories off the pitch recently has been the way in which they have identified, nurtured and developed youth talent.

The recent signing of Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea has exemplified that. The youngster was so highly rated by the Blues that they stopped allowing Liverpool scouts to attend their youth games afterwards.

But recent first-team call-ups Trey Nyoni and Amara Nallo were signed from Leicester City and West Ham United, respectively, showing just how adept Liverpool have become at identifying talent.

And now they are after another, with the Mail Online reporting that they have been keeping tabs on Sunderland’s Trey Ogunsuyi.

EXCLUSIVE: The full lowdown on Samuele Ricci as Liverpool identify PERFECT Martin Zubimendi alternative

Samuele Ricci Liverpool

Earlier this month Anfield Watch broke the news that Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci was a player that Liverpool were keeping a close eye on.

The 23-year-old has impressed club staff during his breakout season and he could end up on Merseyside sooner rather than later.

EXCLUSIVE: Newly-crowned Footballer of the Year WANTS Liverpool move

That news was followed by reports in the Italian press earlier this week that Liverpool were among the teams hoping to acquire the Italy international’s services in transfer windows upcoming.

Ricci is under contract with Torino until 2026 and without a new contract his reported €60 million valuation could soon drop. However, Liverpool could well face competition should Richard Hughes opt to make an attempt to sign him.

AC Milan, Inter and Manchester City have all been mentioned as potential destinations for the midfield prompter, who looks increasingly ready to take the next step in his burgeoning career.

We caught up with Footballtransfers.com resident Italian football expert Carlo Garganese for the full lowdown on Liverpool’s latest transfer target.

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