Liverpool plotting to bolster 2 key positions in January transfer window: Reports

Liverpool, who recently slumped to a shock 1-0 home league defeat to Nottingham Forest, have reportedly identified two crucial positions in their team to bolster in the winter transfer window.

The Reds, who parted ways with former boss Jurgen Klopp earlier this May, roped in just two players earlier this summer. They signed Federico Chiesa in a potential £12.5 million deal from Juventus and Giorgi Mamardashvili in a switch worth up to £29 million from Valencia.

Now, according to Football Insider, Liverpool are believed to be planning to launch moves to sign a left-footed centre-back and a defensive midfielder. They are keen to strengthen the aforementioned two areas next January with a special focus on the number six position.

The Anfield outfit, who are currently fourth in the Premier League table with nine points from four matches, are unlikely to renew interest in Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi. They are likely to earmark a new transfer target, who would compete with Ryan Gravenberch.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are hoping to sign a new centre-back as Virgil van Dijk is in the final 10 months of his current deal. They are also aware of both Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate's respective injury issues.

Liverpool star excited ahead of next clash

Ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League opener at AC Milan this Tuesday (September 17), Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker shared his thoughts on playing again in Italy. He replied (h/t liverpoolfc.com):

"It's always a pleasure to me, coming back to this country. I also come back here on holiday with my family – it's always a lovely and special place to be. I always repeat the same: I love Italy. Tomorrow will be a tough game for us. Before us is a great team, an historic club – we know that because we know the history of football."

Alisson, who joined the Reds from AS Roma in 2018, concluded:

"We know that these two teams have competed in great finals and matchdays, there have been a couple of them in the 2000s. For us, it's a pleasure to play in a game like this tomorrow. We are ready to fight to get our targets."

Alisson, 31, recorded 26 shutouts and conceded 66 goals in 64 overall appearances for Roma prior to his potential £67 million move in 2018.

So far this season, the 71-cap Brazil international has registered three clean sheets in four matches across competitions for Arne Slot's side.