Liverpool transfer news LIVE – Mikel Merino gone, Jude Bellingham latest, Manu Kone ‘threatens’

The Reds have already been linked with a host of midfielders this January transfer window. The latest is Real Sociedad captain Mikel Merino.

Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino has already expressed his joy towards the La Liga outfit over a move to Liverpool.

The Spaniard played for Newcastle United in the Premier League in 2017 after initially being loaned out by Borussia Dortmund before making a permanent move to St James’ Park. He made 25 appearances for the Magpies before joining Real Sociedad for a fee of around €12m (£10m). Since returning to the Spanish top flight, he has made 176 appearances, scoring 18 goals. A report by Italian journalist Rudy Galetti has hinted at a Merino return to the Premier League as Liverpool’s recruitment team draw up a list of targets.

However, he has already denied all the rumors of his departure from the Basque Country. He said in early January: “I’m very happy here. I have an amazing history at La Real, I’m very happy with how my career is going here. Doak turned just 17 in November, but having impressed since joining Liverpool’s youth roster from Celtic in the summer, he has already made three first-team appearances as a substitute, including his Premier League debut against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. The talented striker has represented his country at U16, U17 and U21 levels, but Arbroath manager Douglas believes the time has already come to give him his first full cap.

Oussama Assaidi remains one of only two Liverpool players to ever hail from Morocco, but like his compatriot Nabil El Zhar, his time at Anfield initially promised more than it ultimately delivered.

“When I first spoke to the manager I had a good feeling,” the 24-year-old said when he arrived at Anfield in 2012. “I had offers from other top clubs but I was waiting for this moment. It will be a dream to play with these great players and I hope the training helps me to be a good player here.”

However, in three years he made just 12 appearances for Liverpool despite being handed the famous 11 shirt as he failed to impress under Brendan Rodgers before walking away – on this day in January 2015.

Alan Shearer has urged Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez to ‘break away’ but he believes he can become a world-class forward.

The Uruguayan has come under a huge amount of criticism since his move from Benfica in the summer and has been criticized for every missed opportunity.

However, Nunez is fast emerging as the latest striker to terrorize his opponents and has been praised by Gary Neville and Reds legend Jamie Carragher in recent weeks.

In the Premier League so far, the 23-year-old has scored five league goals (10 in all competitions) but holds the unwelcome record of missing the most ‘big chances’ in England’s top flight this season

Andreas Schjelderup is reportedly on the verge of turning down Liverpool for the second time in favor of a move to Benfica. The 18-year-old has shone in the Danish league, scoring 10 goals in 17 games so far. According to reports from Norway, he will travel to Portugal to finalize the details.

TV2 said Liverpool as well as Brentford had presented specific plans to their representatives but were said to have chosen Roger Schmidt’s side as he is expected to play an important role in the coming seasons.

Glen Johnson thinks it would be a “shame” if Jude Bellingham didn’t play in the Premier League amid interest from Liverpool.

The Reds are among the names in the running to sign the 19-year-old, but one club that doesn’t seem to be going is Real Madrid. Los Blancos form an impressive midfield and already boast World Cup finalists Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.

While Johnson admits the lure of the Spanish capital would be hard to turn down, he would kick himself if he failed to prove his quality in the English top flight.

“Every player wants to play in the Premier League, but of course Real Madrid is Real Madrid. I think as an Englishman it would be a shame for all of us as fans if he retired without having never played in the Premier League. However, if he goes to Real Madrid, he still has the chance to face the best in the Champions League, but the Premier League is stronger than La Liga, that’s for sure. It’s very difficult to say no to Real Madrid, but as an Englishman you would be sorry if you had never played in the Premier League.”

Glen Johnson backed Jude Bellingham to become a top player wherever he lands

AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has said it has been a “crucial week” for Ismael Bennacer as he looks set to extend his stay at San Siro.

Liverpool reportedly submitted a bid for the Algeria international in December but are now set to sign an extension with the Serie A champions.

The Reds are mired in the search for midfield reinforcements and a number of candidates have been challenged to move to Anfield this month.

Ligue 1 club Nice are reportedly ready to sell midfielder Kephren Thuram for €30m (£26.5m).

Liverpool are said to have been ‘in talks’ with the 21-year-old after he was added to the recruitment team’s list of potential targets. The January transfer window is in full swing and the Reds are already being touted as having most, if not all, of the continent’s midfielders.

Former Premier League defender Sol Campbell has taken part in the Jude Bellingham debate.

Liverpool are among the clubs in the running to sign the esteemed English midfielder, but will face competition from Real Madrid and Manchester City.