Liverpool stance on two midfielders shows January transfer priority for Arne Slot

It appears that strengthening the defence will be the priority for Arne Slot next month as his Liverpool side look to keep momentum in the Premier League. Saturday’s 3-1 win over Leicester 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.

Liverpool 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. Marseille 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 Hull City six months ago. Liverpool are not reportedly prepared to let him go on another temporary move, and won’t consider any permanent bids under £20million.

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, Liverpool 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, Virgil van Dijk is also yet to pen a new deal with the captain’s contract expiring in June.

Doubts are also growing over the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold, 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.

Liverpool have already been linked with the likes of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. Bayern Munich 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 Liverpool’s title rivals suffer from a spate of injuries. He’s publicly warned his players over the current plight of Manchester City, whose form has plummeted with a number of key players out.