Liverpool transfer round-up: Reds ‘lead race’ for second signing as sale considered

Cody Gakpo is yet to arrive at Liverpool but Jurgen Klopp’s side are already said to be preparing for a second addition to walk through the Anfield entrance doors.

A 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Monday and confirmation of reaching a deal to sign PSV’s Cody Gakpo has made it a merry Christmas for Liverpool.

And the Reds could be about to receive further good news if the latest reports are to be believed. Jurgen Klopp’s side are in ‘pole position’ for another highly-rated forward as they aim to bolster their attack, while a Serie A youngster is also being looked at ahead of next month. Elsewhere, one Liverpool player could be nearing the exit door.

Reds ‘leading race’ for Napoli ace

Liverpool are in ‘pole position’ to secure the signing of Napoli winger Hirving Lozano in January as they aim to quickly follow-up the transfer of Gakpo with another arrival.

Lozano arrived as Napoli’s record signing in 2019 after signing a five-year-deal from PSV. He has since gone on to record 30 goals and 16 assists in 133 games for the Italian giants, including four goals and three assists this campaign.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Liverpool could be about to land the Mexican speedster after moving to the front of the queue, with injuries to Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz this season reducing their options in the final third.

Serie A defender on Reds radar

Liverpool could battle Manchester City for the signing of Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini after it was revealed they are considering making a swoop for the 19-year-old.

The Reds are already well-stocked at centre-back but that hasn’t stopped them from thinking ahead for the future as they look to find successors for the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip. They have set their sights on securing Scalvini next summer.

That’s according to Corriere dello Sport, via Inside Futbol, which claims that Liverpool have joined Tottenham and City on the list of potential candidates who are hoping to lure the Italian away from Atalanta next summer, following some impressive performances this year.

Liverpool are prepared to sell Nat Phillips in January as the centre-back searches for more regular first-team football.

The 25-year-old has just two Premier League appearances all season as he remains fifth-choice centre-back at Anfield. With Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joel Gomez preferred to Phillips, there has been no easy path into the first team for the popular defender.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool could put him out of his misery by letting him go. Phillips is valued at around £10million and it is thought that only a permanent exit, rather than a loan, will be considered by the Reds.