Arne Slot during the win over Leicester. (Image: Getty)
It appears that strengthening the defence will be the priority for next month as his side look to keep momentum in the . Saturday’s temporarily put them seven points clear at the top of the table, with the Dutchman continuing to excel in his first season in England.
That’s despite a lack of signings in the summer, with only Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili brought on a permanent basis before being loaned back to Valencia for a season.
The Reds did trigger a release clause for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but the Spaniard turned down a move.
had been expected to renew their interest in January, with Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton two players tipped to be offloaded to help free up funds. But according to the Athletic, Slot isn’t prepared to lose either player.
Endo has made just seven league appearances this season, having struggled to make an impact since his move from Stuttgart ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. made a bid just shy of £12million for him in the summer, but it was rejected and the club aren’t said to be planning a cut-price sale in January.
Morton meanwhile, has barely featured for his boyhood club since returning from his loan move at six months ago. are not reportedly prepared to let him go on another temporary move, and won’t consider any permanent bids under £20million.
It doesn’t appear that Endo is leaving Liverpool next month. (Image: Getty)
Bayer Leverkusen are the latest club to have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, but appear to have been put off by the stance of the Merseyside club. And with both him and Endo set to stay, and Slot content with his modified reinforcements, will almost certainly be targeting defensive options.
Both Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are currently unavailable with injury, while Andy Robertson’s form continues to be scrutinised following his latest error against Leicester. Despite continuing to be pivotal figure to his side, is also yet to pen a new deal with the captain’s contract expiring in June.
Doubts are also growing over the future of , who like Van Dijk, will be eligible to move on a free in the summer. Both players will also e able to start negotiating with clubs abroad during January.
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have already been linked with the likes of centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and defender Murillo. left-back Alphonso Davies is also a target, although that’s a move most likely for the summer when his own contract expires.
Slot will be keen to add squad depth having seen ’s title rivals suffer from a spate of injuries. He’s publicly warned his players over the current plight of whose form has plummeted with a number of key players out.