One potential Liverpool target has done the club's work for them after signalling his intent to one day join the club
Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool during a press conference at Anfield
Arne Slot has been put on alert regarding a potential Liverpool target who is keen on joining(Image: Andrew Powell, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Liverpool's quiet January transfer window appears set to conclude without any major drama. However, there are still developments at Anfield that supporters will find intriguing before Monday's deadline passes.
Arne Slot's squad face Newcastle on Saturday evening, aiming to improve their Premier League standing after going winless in their previous five top-flight matches. They'll take to the pitch with a lengthy injury list, particularly in the right-back position following Jeremie Frimpong's recent arrival in the treatment room alongside Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley.
Further injuries could potentially prompt the club into late January activity. So far, Senegalese youngster Mor Talla Ndiaye stands as the sole new signing at Anfield this month, with numerous supporters clamouring for additional reinforcements.
Slot secured the Premier League trophy in his debut campaign despite minimal investment in the squad he took over. Nevertheless, foundations are already being laid for the summer window as the ECHO examines the latest Liverpool developments.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page
Gruda interested in Liverpool move
While there haven't been any significant reports linking Liverpool with Brighton midfielder Brajan Gruda until now, the player may have just sparked interest himself. This comes after he identified the Reds as one of the clubs he "dreams" of representing at some stage in his career.
The 21-year-old has been in impressive form for the Seagulls this campaign, netting three times in 20 outings across all competitions. Speculation surrounding his future is likely to intensify soon, with just over two years remaining on his existing deal.
The Germany under-21 star has earned glowing praise under Fabian Hurzeler and appears equally comfortable operating in attacking midfield or on the right flank. Yet Gruda harbours ambitions of elevating his career to greater heights, as he revealed which sides he most admires.
Brajan Gruda of Brighton and Hove Albion celebrates the 1-2 victory at full time during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton
Brajan Gruda names Liverpool as one of the teams he "dreams" of joining(Image: Getty Images)
View 3 Images
"My biggest dream is to play in the Champions League and be a full international," he said during a wide-ranging interview with Sky Sport in Germany. "I want to play for a top club like Bayern, Real, Barcelona or Liverpool."
As previously mentioned, there have been no firm reports linking the player with a move to Liverpool. Nevertheless, the Anfield outfit might be tempted to take notice once they learn of the player's enthusiasm.
It has become increasingly typical for elite managers to pursue players who can operate effectively in multiple positions. Liverpool talents such as Domink Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong have each demonstrated their versatility across different roles, which has helped win favour with Slot.
In that respect, Gruda also provides versatility across multiple positions and could be viewed as suiting Liverpool's profile. Brighton are understood to have paid approximately £25million to sign Gruda from Mainz in 2024, and he could become another appreciating asset who earns the Seagulls substantial profit should Liverpool be impressed by what they observe.
Content Image
Content Image
Elliott no nearer to permanent transfer
One piece of business this summer revolves around Harvey Elliott's long-term prospects. And Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has provided an update on the player's circumstances at Villa Park, where he's currently spending the campaign on loan.
The comments suggest Elliott will be heading back to Anfield come this summer. It's at this stage the question over what to do with the 22-year-old talent will resurface.
Harvey Elliott during an Aston Villa game
Harvey Elliott looks poised for a very uneventful last few months at Aston Villa(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Villa are understood to be required to activate the £35m clause in Elliott's loan deal to secure him permanently if he makes 10 appearances for Villa this term. Emery gave the midfielder his eighth outing in Thursday's 3-2 Europa League victory over Red Bull Salzburg, after which he addressed the player's circumstances.
"It is not changing," said the Spaniard. "Not changing, I told you yesterday it is not changing his situation. Today, he played and [it was] very fantastic how he helped us, but it's not changing our idea with him."
From that, it seems clear Elliott hasn't done enough to persuade Emery he's worthy of the £35m outlay. Moreover, it suggests Liverpool's player is facing a four-month period where he's virtually certain to feature just once more for Villa unless the boss has a dramatic rethink.