Liverpool news LIVE: All the latest gossip from Anfield

Thursday December 14

Barca eye Blind

21:00: Barcelona are considering a January swoop for Manchester United defender Daley Blind, reports claim.

Spanish newspaper Marca claim injuries to Javier Mascherano and Samuel Umtiti has forced Ernesto Valverde to seek cover.

And Blind, who’s been largely limited to a bit-part role at Old Trafford this season, is firmly on his radar.

The Catalan giants are also monitoring Lazio star Stefan de Vrij, who’s been linked with Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Juventus.

Toon still hot on Ings & Shaw

20:00: Newcastle are reportedly still eyeing Liverpool striker Danny Ings and Manchester United defender Luke Shaw.

The Daily Star claims manager Rafael Benitez wants to bring in the two players as he bids to avoid the drop, and will make a move if the club's takeover goes through.

City fight for Van Dijk

19:00: Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly poised to target Virgil van Dijk when the transfer window opens next month.

According to Goal, Liverpool will try to sign Van Dijk in the new year, and a City bid is looking like a distinct possibility too.

Pep Guardiola is said to have convinced Etihad chiefs to open the purse strings after injuries to Vincent Kompany and John Stones.

However, City’s potential move could falter over concerns Van Dijk would want to start every game in Manchester.

While it remains to be seen if Southampton would be prepared to do business with Liverpool after last summer’s exploits.

Chelsea to steal march on Liverpool…

18:00: Chelsea are reportedly prepared to let Michy Batshuayi join Monaco on loan to sweeten a deal with Monaco to sign Thomas Lemar next month.

Chelsea have recently emerged as contenders to sign the sought-after winger, and the Telegraph claim they are prepared to offer Batshuayi on a loan deal as well as offering a lump sum.

The Belgium international was named among the substitutes for Chelsea’s match against Huddersfield on Tuesday, despite Alvaro Morata being ruled out.

It’s claimed Conte could look to implement Eden Hazard in a ‘false nine’ position more regularly with Lemar, who’s being chased by Arsenal and Liverpool, able to play in a host of positions across the front line.

Reds not sharp enough - Nicol

17:00: Liverpool were just not sharp enough in front of goal in the 0-0 draw with West Brom last night, says Steve Nicol.

Nicol was surprised by the lack of chances his former side created towards the end of the game.

“They just weren’t sharp in the final third,” the Scot said on ESPN FC.

“(Loris) Karius made a couple of saves but Liverpool did dominate the game and carried the whole game pretty much but couldn’t produce. 

“They had two or three chances early on in the second half, but for the last 20-25 minutes there really wasn’t anything of note. They got pretty much what they deserved at the end of it and that was just a point."

Coutinho or Ozil? That is the question…

16:00: Are you sitting comfortably? Good, because this transfer line is a complete minefield!

Barcelona's bid to sign Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho continues, but the Catalan giants are unwilling to let the issue run throughout the transfer window, according to the Mirror.

The newspaper says reports in Spain suggest club bosses have decided that if a deal cannot be done by the end of December, then they will need to move on.

They could then look to sign Arsenal's Mesut Ozil, the paper adds.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Ozil favours signing for Manchester United over Barcelona should he leave Arsenal.

The paper says the Germany international has made it plain to friends that he is eyeing a switch to United, while Jose Mourinho is said to be watching his situation closely.

Coutinho demand

15:00: Philippe Coutinho is requesting fresh talks with Liverpool over lowering their demands for him so he can join Barcelona in the January window.

Barca are expected to pursue the Brazilian in the winter window but the Reds are playing hardball.

And Spanish publication Don Balon claim Coutinho is planning talks with the Reds to see if they will budge on their £132m asking price.

Coutinho is keen to get a move sorted to ensure Barca don’t pursue other targets instead.

Klopp wants Vrsaljko

14:00: Liverpool could reportedly battle Napoli for Atletico Madrid defender Sime Vrsaljko.

According to The Sun, the Reds are hoping to tie up a deal for Vrsaljko.

And that’s despite having Nathaniel Clyne, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold at their disposal.

Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit of the £22m-rated ace though.

Napoli are apparently eyeing up Vrsaljko as they look to replace the injured Faouzi Ghoulam.