The latest Liverpool Notebook as one academy hopeful completes a loan move and another one closes in on one before the transfer deadline passes
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Ibrahima Konaté and Wataru Endo of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on January 30, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate and Wataru Endo of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on January 30, 2026(Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool return to action when they host Newcastle United on Saturday in the Premier League. The Reds are still searching for their first league win of 2026 having drawn the first four before seeing their 13-game unbeaten streak end with a 3-2 loss at Bournemouth.
The defending champions are now embroiled in a battle for the Champions League spots with Chelsea and Manchester United above them in the table after both won last weekend.
Ahead of that fixture against Eddie Howe's side, the ECHO brings you all the latest tidbits in our Notebook.
Konate back in training
As expected, Ibrahima Konate trained on Friday afternoon, handing Liverpool a timely boost at centre-back ahead of Saturday's visit from Newcastle.
The France international has missed the last three games following the passing of his father, with the club granting the defender some time away with his family in Paris.
After sitting out the Marseille, Bournemouth and Qarabag fixtures, however, Konate is ready to report for duty once more after taking part in the session on Friday at the AXA Training Centre.
After taking part in some gym work earlier in the day, he then came through the workout on the pitches at the Kirkby facility and will be expected to partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-half when the Magpies visit.
Koumas confirmed
Lewis Koumas has joined Championship side Hull City on loan for the rest of the season.
As the ECHO revealed at the top of the week, the Wales international was closing in on a short-term switch to Hull after his spell with Birmingham City was cancelled mid-season.
Liverpool believe that Hull's track record of developing young attacking talents like Jaden Philogene, Joe Gelhardt and Liam Delap mean they are well-placed to allow Koumas to thrive at the MKM Stadium.
The club also took Fabio Carvalho's successful time there into account when weighing up the interested parties for the Wales international.
Koumas also wants game-time to stake his claims for a potential spot at this summer's World Cup with Wales set for a play-off fixture later this year.
Scanlon close to Cardiff move
Calum Scanlon is nearing a loan move to Cardiff City after featuring for Liverpool's Under-21s against Brighton on Friday.
Scanlon, who has two senior appearances to his name for the Reds, last featured in a match-day squad nearly two years ago when Jurgen Klopp's side hosted Southampton in an FA Cup tie.
A loan spell at Millwall was forced to be cut short after a serious hamstring injury and the pacey defender made his comeback earlier this month for the U21s.
Liverpool believe the 20-year-old is ready to continue his development elsewhere with a move to the League One side now likely to accelerate after his involvement against Brighton's U21s.