Liverpool are making progress in the transfer market following an important update about the future of Marc Guehi
Arne Slot
Liverpool are accelerating their transfer plans(Image: Getty Images)
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Just as Liverpool appeared to be steering their title defence back in the right direction, a lifeless New Year's Day stalemate against Leeds dragged the Reds straight back into uncertainty. Although they controlled the ball for long spells, Liverpool managed only three efforts on target and lacked confidence and fluency for much of the contest.
The draw leaves them 12 points adrift in the title race, with Arsenal moving four clear at the top after beating Aston Villa, while Manchester City were held by Sunderland. With the January transfer window now open, focus is naturally shifting toward potential signings.
Liverpool continue to be linked with a number of big-name targets. Having already invested heavily during the summer, another splurge seems unlikely - but their faltering performances suggest new additions might be necessary. Below, ECHO rounds up the latest Liverpool news, featuring developments on two significant transfer sagas.
Guehi transfer update
Liverpool have for some time been viewed as leading contenders to land Marc Guehi, yet their plans may be disrupted by growing interest from Real Madrid. Reports from Spain claim the Crystal Palace defender considers a switch to the Bernabeu his "dream" transfer - a revelation that could derail his expected move to Anfield in the summer.
The Reds were close to securing Guehi last summer, only for negotiations to fall apart on deadline day. With his deal due to run out at the end of the campaign and no sign of a renewal, Liverpool are widely expected to reignite their pursuit, especially given that they've already laid the groundwork - and their recent defensive shortcomings.
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur
Marc Guehi could join Real Madrid instead of Liverpool this summer
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That said, if Los Blancos make a concrete move, Guehi could be persuaded to choose Madrid over Merseyside. The Spanish heavyweights had previously looked into signing Liverpool centre back Ibrahima Konate, but having cooled that interest, their focus may now be fixed on the Palace star.
AS reports that Guehi intends to keep his options open and "choose the best fit" once the season ends. Although Liverpool remain in pole position, the England international is believed to favour Real Madrid should they be able to offer him a regular starting role.
Liverpool 'close in' on £43m deal
Liverpool are edging closer to completing a £43million deal for Club Brugge centre back Joel Ordonez, with the Reds poised to fend off competition from Chelsea for the 21-year-old.
The agreement - reportedly made up of an initial £35m payment plus £8m in add-ons - could be confirmed within days, pushing Liverpool's total spending this season close to the £500m mark.
Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres and Club's Joel Ordonez fight for the ball
Joel Ordonez looks to be on his way to Liverpool
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Ordonez is widely viewed as one of the most promising young defenders in world football. The Ecuador international has already racked up more than 100 senior outings for Club Brugge and is a product of the highly respected Independiente del Valle academy, famed for developing talents such as Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie and Willian Pacho.
Whether Ordonez's prospective capture represents a move away from Liverpool's long-term pursuit of Guehi or simply underlines a push for greater squad depth remains to be seen, but the youngster is expected to challenge immediately for first-team minutes.
That prospect has grown stronger due to Ibrahima Konate's recent dip in performance - along with expectations he will leave in the summer - and ongoing fitness problems suffered by summer arrival Giovanni Leoni.