24 Dec 2015 19:12:57
How's that list of players we are interested in coming along ed?
I know you've been continuously nagged about this but I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve oh wait.

{Ed002's Note - I think this should give you something to chew on for a while.

Scouts are continuing to look at players but I cannot say if anything significant will happen in January - as clubs are typically not keen on selling at that time of the year.

Before we get in to discussing players there are a three things which are relevant to what happens leading up to the summer. Firstly, folks (including Klipperty) must make a decision about the loan players as the club cannot keep adding to the first team squad and then expect to bring the loan players back in to it as well. A number of the players out on loan are on loans with options to buy (e.g. Balotelli and Ilori) and (a) depending how the players perform and (b) the potential value of the players next summer will determine if the clubs they are loaned to buy them. Liverpool will need income before the summer transfer window opens and these players can move before then and then either stay on or even be sold as a profit. Alberto seems to be completely out of the picture. Markovich is a different matter. As has been explained, Liverpool took him far to soon and he wasn't ready - they paid way over the odds and he wasted a year of his career. He has gone out on loan to try and get the career back on track so he is one who may well return next summer. As for the others, Ojo and Canos are probably the pick of the outfield players and they will come back next summer, probably in to the U21s and will, I expect, be given consideration. Canos' loan runs out in January but Brentford are impressed and have approached Alex Inglethorpe about extending it. The goalkeepers I don't know enough about but Ed001 is particularly keen on Ward. The remaining outfield players, excepting Yesil, may not make it at Liverpool. Yesil will be more interesting - he arrived at Liverpool with a very, very good reputation as a youngster. Unfortunately he struggled with injury and has otherwise never really got a look in. I think he will be looked at very carefully as next summer is really a crunch time for him - a decision will need to be made by all concerned.

Secondly, fans need to step back from any thoughts about there being some baseball (“moneyball”) related transfer policy at the club - complete red herring. All clubs look to buying and developing youngsters with the purpose of using them. If they don't use them for whatever reason they would obviously like a return on their investment, but it is not a driver to buying young players. Equally there needs to be a mix of experience the team in order to deal with the rigours of soccerball at the highest level - hence the likes of Milner and Lallana were purchased by Liverpool. And to confirm this it is not "policy" to buy young and cheap to sell at a profit, you then need to look at what Liverpool has paid for some of these youngsters. Firmino is the best example from the batch there at present - €41M potentially rising to €50M for a player that no German side were interested in buying from Hoffenheim at his €25M release clause.

Finally, a timely reminder as to how the Liverpool transfer process works. The manager will have discussed the players he would like to bring in with the transfer committee throughout the season and scouts will bring other names to the table via Barry Hunter and Dave Fallows. These would all be looked at by Michael Edwards and his team and perhaps then a refined list could be considered. When it comes to the financial side and any approaches to other clubs it will be up to Mr Ayre to investigate the availability of players negotiate and subsequently agents and clubs. Mr Gordon will, overall, be responsible for providing input from the perspective of the owners and from an overall standpoint of the club.

Clubs will typically informally ask an agent (a) if the player is going to be available, and (b) would the player consider a move to the club. There may be some broad discussion on the sort of deal that would be offered. If the answer is yes, it is then necessary for the club to approach the player's club to ask if they would be willing to sell and if they would grant permission to speak to a player's agent and possibly even the player about actually making a move. This will typically involve either broadly (through an offer) or actually agreeing a fee and responsibility for any significant costs (agents fees etc.). Once this has happened the club will be able to speak to the player's agent and perhaps the player himself to look at the package that will be involved. Many players are looked at and discussed at a high-level with agents and clubs; a subset of those have an offer placed; a subset of those involve discussions with the player's club; a subset of those involve discussions over terms, and; a subset of those go ahead.}

Klipperty has said no changes in January and there is no money to be spent. I have said that, without calling him a liar, if the right player became available at the right price, then I would expect something could be done. The fans tend to see giant holes across the squad and often have distorted views - "we need a striker", "Mignolet has to go", "Can makes too many mistakes", "Lucas has to be moved on", "Moreno is not a good defender", "we must get four new centre backs", "Ilori is the greatest footballer of all time" etc.. Coaches and managers take in to consideration how a squad is built and how teams work together - they will look more at the group than individuals - and then they will look to individuals who can improve that group. Fans tend not to see that and simply crave "marquee" signings. It is a long way to go still. Rebuilding and make large numerical changes year-on-year has not suited Liverpool in the past - I doubt it will next summer either.

Some of this will change by January and the summer and there are major dependencies on (a) players leaving, and (b) how much money the club can raise through sales. However, there is known to be (or have recently been) some level of interest in the following players fairly recently:

Goalkeeper:

The money was never going to be there this past summer for an expensive goalkeeper given the significant spending (and over-spending) on other players. The club were clearly happy with Mignolet and never tried to replace him. I am not sure that anything has changed much in the couple of months Klipperty has been around and I would be very surprised if a decision has been taken this early to replace him next summer. The club has, as I have previously explained, looked at another goalkeeper since Klipperty arrived and they have continued to look at other players from a scouting perspective. But right now this does not mean too much and please don't read too much in to it. Unless Liverpool are planning something regarding goalkeepers for January, then right now they are browsing and tyre kicking like many other clubs.

Not one for January: Patricio has been looked at before and has been looked at again (on more than one occasion this season – pre and post Klipperty but that will not be of relevance) - it does't mean there is particular interest but they are keeping him in mind - certainly not a January option.

Very, very unlikely: Aston Villa and Stoke are both looking at Marseille's Steve Mandanda with interest from elsewhere (notably Crystal Palace, Atletico, Spurs and Arsenal) seemingly gone. There was speculation that Everton had submitted a bid for a January move - but the offer that has been made is from Aston Villa. He is out of contract in the summer and Marseille would ideally like a new deal. They would prefer not to sell in January as it gives them a goalkeeping issue they don't want right now. I don't know where the supposed interest of Everton has come from but it would not be out of the question. As of today, there has been no approach made to Marseille by Liverpool.

Right Back:

Not a position Liverpool appears to be putting any effort in to at this time.

Very, Very unlikely (included as someone recently mentioned him): I think if Liverpool did have any interest in Aina and were able to speak to the player, and critically, offer him first team football guarantees then something can be done. It strikes me as unlikely that the club would be willing to make such a commitment. A couple of clubs have approached Chelsea about him although Liverpool isn't one. Napoli had an offer of a loan turned down in the summer and Monaco were looking to Aina as cover for Fabinho who they may lose.

Centre Back:

With Toure leaving in the summer and with the Messiah (Ilori) not in favour Liverpool are clearly interested in strengthening the centre back position at some point. This is a position that may see something happen in January but unless there is already a plan to move Skrtel on in the summer adding both Subotic and Matip may be an unusual move. Liverpool is aware of interest in Sakho that may see a January bid from Roma. That would be more problematic to the club.

Very possible: Dortmund will be willing to let Neven Subotic, who has been of interest to Spartak Moscow and Arsenal, leave in January. I suspect the interest of Arsenal has moved on but I would not rule out an offer being made by either Hannover or Liverpool in January and a deal being made.

Unlikely for January but Liverpool may look to agreeing a Bosnan move for the summer: Schalke's Joel Matip has been watched by Sunderland, Newcastle and Liverpool but will almost certainly not be available in January with the club rather letting his contract run down as opposed to having their season disrupted - unless of course someone were to pay way over the odds. Schalke will try and get him to sign a new contract. I really can't see him as being any more than a Toure replacement at Liverpool, but with Toure leaving in the summer he might be a good addition.

Vey unlikely: PSGs Lamine Ba has been of interest to Liverpool but he would be an unlikely addition to the first team squad.

Very, very unlikely as yet another right sided addition makes zero sense: I am not sure what talk there has been of Liverpool interest in Jeison Murillo but I know nothing of it – although folks keep asking. However, when Benitez was asked recently about Inter Milan's supposed "valuation" of Jeison Murillo and their rejection of an offer of €35M from Real Madrid he was rather bemused. Whilst Inter are keen to raise cash to buy with, I would expect that they would bite the arm off any club offering what is five times what they paid this past summer.

Left Back:

With Moreno, Smith and Gomez (to return) and even with Enrique to depart at some point Liverpool are persisting in looking at young left backs.

Unlikely but don’t lose sight of him: Lorient left-back Raphael Guerreiro has been of previous interest to Newcastle, Milan, Arsenal, PSG, Manchester City and Sampdoria. Marseille, Liverpool, Sunderland and Swansea have had watched the player this season - whilst an Arsenal scout says they may look again. Liverpool interest would come to the fore only if Moreno were to leave.

Very, very unlikely in the short term: Leicester’s Ben Chilwell has been attracting the attention of a number of sides with Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool and Norwich all attending a Huddersfield Town game to watch the loanee after he impressed in the academy next season. Spurs and Newcastle have also been keeping a watchful eye. As far as I know, nobody has any declared interest in him at this time.

Very, very unlikely in the short term: Everton, Southampton, Swansea, Sunderland and West Ham have all maintained an interest in Leeds' Sam Byram. Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal have had him watched but it is now Aston Villa who are making an active effort to bring Byram to the Premier League.

Defensive Midfield:

Liverpool will have the option of playing Grujic in a holding midfield position if the wish and have Lucas, Emre Can the well respected Rossiter and even Pedro Chirivella who could play there. I don’t see an immediate problem there.

Won’t happen: Liverpool had scouts at a Porto match (against Maccabi Tel Aviv) - I don't know who they were looking at as several Porto players are attracting attention (Martins Indi, Brahimi and Neves) but the suggestion it was Porto's Ruben Neves. Asenal were present at the same match and against Dinamo Kyev, and may well be interested in Neves - however, the asking price might well scare them off.

Midfield:

Liverpool are looking to strengthen by buying in January for the summer. However, a
little side note regarding one of the normally ignored players that may well be impacted by this move – Allan. I expect another loan for Allan in January and there is a chance that he might be able to get a work permit later in 2016 - getting called in to the International U20 side would be a boost. But even that could be touch and go and if he doesn't get one then there is a problem in that he could end up not being eligible to play as a home grown player - then we are in to a big decision being made. Right now Liverpool is not well structured for looking after such players - something I would hope that they can address – but the addition of Grujic makes Allan’s long-term future as a Liverpool player in doubt.

I expect this to go through: Liverpool have agreed in principle to the transfer of Red Star Belgrade's Marko Grujic after agreeing a record fee with his club and making an astonishing wage offer. The player will almost certainly spend the rest of the season with Red Star and move in the summer. I don't know what promise of game time had been made but it has been suggested by his representative that Liverpool have offered him Gerrard's number 8 shirt as well (there was no clarification if it was an old used one or not). This far outstrips any other offer, particularly if the club are promising game time. Inter could not match the transfer fee in cash and certainly not the wages even though they were his first choice destination. Chelsea offered a lower transfer fee (that could have been resolved) but would not be looking at him for the first team for probably two and a half years. That would comprise an initial loan back to Red Star (perhaps even including next season at Red Star if the get in the Champions League - but that was not Chelsea's preference) and then a year on loan in Europe as he is seen as being behind the pecking order of another midfield player (Pasalic) who is going through that process with Chelsea already. Liverpool's offer has also ended interest from Napoli, Hamburg, Wolfsburg, PSG, Manchester United, Everton, Manchester City and Roma (although none of these clubs put a firm offer on the table as I understand it) but Stuttgart, Udinese and Anderlecht have proposals which they think will be more acceptable to the family of the player who are worried about the damage a move to Liverpool could do to his career - not just financial proposals but career building proposals. Whilst there remains a chance that another side could match Liverpool's offer with a cash bid, and then agree to a longer loan back, I suspect the deal will still go through. Much is expected of him.

Very, Very unlikely in the short-term but one to keep an eye on: Liverpool, along with Manchester United, Stoke and in Particular Bournemouth, are looking at Leeds' Lewis Cook.

Very, Very unlikely: The constantly fishing agent of Rubin Kazan's Magomed Ozdoev has said Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool and Spurs have watched the player this season. Previously he said that Dortmund, Lyon, Basel and Spartak Moscow are interested in the player. Tough to see a move to England happening.

Not going to happen: Real Betis were aware of interest in Dani Ceballis from Juventus, Roma and, in particular, Real Madrid. Additionally Arsenal, Spurs, Swansea and Liverpool and others, have had the player watched throughout this year, but no EPL side made any approach to Real Betis about him. For now Ceballos has signed an extension, so he won't be moving.

Attacking Midfield:

Liverpool has plenty of options for attacking midfield players. I don’t expect anything to happen in January but much going forward will depend on whether Coutinho is tempted away in the summer by the likes of Barcelona or Bayern Munich.

Won’t move in January: Schalke rejected bids from Spurs and Stoke for Leroy Sane in the summer. A number of clubs from across Europe have had the player watched in the first and reserve sides towards the end of last season and at the start of this - including Manchester United, Sunderland, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham and RBL.

Wildcard (I am just throwing this in to try and get folks thinking about players they may not know so well): Mainz will have no interest in selling Yunus Malli in January but are aware that Bayern Munich, Spurs, Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray have all looked at the player. For the summer, Malli is the sort of player who Klopp may have Liverpool scouts look at, particularly given that he knows the player well. An ex-German international tells me he is getting better and better and would suit the English game. He is also the sort of player that a club like Arsenal may look to if they are planning Central or Attacking Midfield changes in the summer.}

Winger:

Clearly Liverpool have been looking in particular at wingers with their scouting and that in itself may sound the death knell for Markovic. With Ibe, Ojo and Canos on the books in addition to several players like Milner, Lallana and Firmino who are comfortable in those positions and youngsters like Kent, it seems some sort of reshuffle will be necessary. Liverpool don’t seem to have honed in on one target but they are certainly looking.

Very unlikely: Liverpool are one of the clubs who have enquired after Birmingham's Demarai Gray - albeit before Klipperty arrived.

Very unlikely: PSG may well be willing to let Moura move on as he has not settled that well in France - but whether they would be willing to do so in January is not clear. An attempt was made to strike a deal for Lucas Moura to make a return to Sao Paulo on loan in January 2015, but PSG pulled the plug as discussions dragged on. Juventus had declared interest if he becomes available but baulked at the €40M asking price they were given. Spurs and Liverpool did manage to scout him recently, although he has been starting from the bench a lot this season. His agent has spoken to Arsenal about him but I don't know if they would be interested.

Very, very unlikely: Ajax will look to keep Anwar El Ghazi from interested parties for perhaps one or two years. Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester United, Atletico and Chelsea have all declared an interest. The player has said he wants to play for Real Madrid. Chelsea were to put an offer on the table in the summer and would have been willing to leave him with Ajax for up to two years. However a third party advisor to Chelsea blocked any move at that time citing the player as still being inconsistent and wanting longer to consider whether or not Chelsea should progress a move for the player who he thinks could "disappear" very easily at a higher level, and particularly in England - this was the same person who said Depay was not ready this summer. Arsenal have now had him watched in a match against Vitesse Arnhem - whether that will manifest itself as interest or not is unclear right now.

Very, very unlikely: Gent's Moses Simon has attracted the declared interest of PSV, Apolonia Fier, Spurs, Ajax, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Fenerbahce and has apparently been watched by Viking, Liverpool, Reading, Midtjylland, Arsenal and probably others.

Striker:

Liverpool has Sturridge, Firmino, Origi, Benteke, Ings and Sinclair in the first team squad with Balotelli, Yesil and Awoniyi out on loan – a striker is not needed nor an obvious target at this time.

I simply don’t see this happening: Pato has not had a good time this past couple of years and Corinthians loaned him to Sao Paulo until the end of the year - but it hasn't worked out that well. He has been in mixed form and unfit and I would think far from able to perform at the premier league level. Corinthians would be really pleased if someone were to buy him =- actually they are pretty desperate to sell and have now taken a pretty extreme measure through a third party to seek a new own. Although the LIverpool supporters are convinced he will be one of the many players joining in January, I am not aware of any deal with Liverpool for him - and I can't see where he would fit in given Benteke, Origi, Firmino and Sturridge not to mention Ings returning at the end of the season. Spurs might just look to him to solve their striker issue. The Arsenal manager has spoken with an ex-player about Pato but I think it unlikely any move to the Emirates will happen. Spurs is, according to someone very close to the situation, one of his two preferred destinations - Barcelona being the other (although I get vhe feeling that if the question was posed again today he would say two other clubs). Clubs will have noted his wages are very high, he has some ownership issues that would need to be resolved before a return to Europe, and (importantly) he has multiple agents and representatives that would need to be paid as part of any transfer. I cannot see any English side taking him on, the answer for him is somewhere in Italy.

1.) 24 Dec 2015
24 Dec 2015 20:52:00
Bang on eds. A great insight into the whole transfer process and whom we might look at. You deserve a scorch for that mate. You didn't mention Gundegon so i'm not mentioning him ever again, promise lol.

Cheers Ed.

{Ed002's Note - Bayern Munich failed with an offer of Goetze as part of a deal for Gundogan in the summer - and a second one including Højbjerg as part of the deal. Dortmund would rather not sell to Bayern. Klopp has said that he will not return to Dortmund to buy players - maybe he is lying - I don't know. Juventus got to the point where a mix of sustained fitness and baggage have made them turn away for now but I rather suspect they will keep an eye on his performances. If he is to move soon then Barcelona seems the most viable destination, if it waits until the summer Juventus will probably have an edge.}

2.) 24 Dec 2015
24 Dec 2015 21:02:42
Thanks ed much appreciated. Have a good Christmas.

{Ed002's Note - Keep it greasy.}

3.) 24 Dec 2015
24 Dec 2015 21:15:12
Your time and efforts are really appreciated Ed. This is a really good read.

Thanks again for all you do.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome and thanks.}

4.) 24 Dec 2015
24 Dec 2015 21:21:12
Amazing, thanks eds and happy Christmas to you.

{Ed002's Note - Enjoy.}}

5.) 24 Dec 2015
24 Dec 2015 21:21:16
Thanks a bunch Ed002, I'm guessing most of our business will wait til the summer though, I just can't see there being many outgoings and incomings. By the way are Grujic's wages ridiculously large? Comparable to our highest earners or just big for such a young kid? Only if you can disclose of course. Thanks again Ed002, Merry Christmas.

{Ed002's Note - They are well beyond what would be expected for a kid making such a step up.}

6.) 24 Dec 2015
24 Dec 2015 21:38:29
Ed you are awesome.

{Ed002's Note - Particularly when seen naked.}

7.) 24 Dec 2015
24 Dec 2015 22:54:49
Spot on thanks ed mate, been pecking your head on it for a few days now. Great insight and very much appreciated

If only the chaps would pay attention to this and not send you ridiculous questions on totally unrealistic players.

Klopp needs time to assess the squad, fans are so fickle these days it's crazy. I have total faith in him, he just needs to be afforded time and his record deserves him that

Tom.

{Ed002's Note - I will try and keep filk updated with any changes.}

8.) 25 Dec 2015
24 Dec 2015 23:35:59
Keep it Greasy Ed mate. Enjoy.

9.) 25 Dec 2015
25 Dec 2015 00:04:41
Top bloke / lady . Thanks

Your like the stig from top gear (get that your American and may not get that reference) . Stuff of legend!

10.) 25 Dec 2015
25 Dec 2015 01:32:40
Thanks Ed, much appreciated and hope all the Eds and posters have a great Christmas.

{Ed002's Note - Thanks Keith.}

11.) 25 Dec 2015
25 Dec 2015 10:41:34
Worth the wait. Christmas is now complete.

Happy Christmas Ed001, Ed002, Ed033 and Ed007. Great year guys. The podcasts were a particular highlight for this year I think and great discussion had there. I know they are probably time consuming but well worth keeping up I think if you can :) .

I know also ridiculously time consuming but the player profile pages were amazing. Perhaps something that could be picked up again next year? Perhaps a player of the week/month or something?

Suggestion: get the other 29 plus Eds to work :)

{Ed002's Note - Appreciate the comment Davey.}

12.) 25 Dec 2015
25 Dec 2015 10:59:42
Thanks Ed002! An excellent, informative post.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome AG.}

13.) 25 Dec 2015
25 Dec 2015 10:59:30
Fantastic Summary Ed. Well written. point to point. Merry Christmas Mate.

14.) 26 Dec 2015
26 Dec 2015 02:50:21
Many thanks, Ed002. Very helpful.

15.) 26 Dec 2015
26 Dec 2015 11:52:30
Great summary Ed002. Your football knowledge is amazing. still don't know how you fit it all in with buying makeup, handbags and shoes etc? Truly awesome, merry xmas to all the eds, fabulous site, great mixture of humour and hard facts.

{Ed002's Note - Somehow I manage Tel.}

16.) 26 Dec 2015
26 Dec 2015 20:42:10
Top stuff Ed. Have a great new year.

17.) 27 Dec 2015
27 Dec 2015 00:53:05
Best post and most insightful post I've read in a long time Ed. just wanted to pass on my thanks like the others.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome - thanks.}