Liverpool make January transfer call over three stars

Liverpool are beginning to make decisions over a number of members of their squad as they look to build on their bright start under Arne Slot and push for the Premier League title.

Slot’s side top the Premier League by two points, having won eight of their ten games and boasting the best defensive record in the league.

Liverpool have fielded a largely consistent side to start the season, which has seen a number of fringe players struggle for minutes and raised question marks over their future at the club.

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Defensive midfielder Wataru Endo has played just 16 minutes in the league this season, while summer signing Federico Chiesa has struggled with injuries, leading to just one appearance off the bench.

However, both players will not be allowed to leave Anfield in January according to Football Insider, with Liverpool aiming to strengthen their squad rather than weaken it.

Any approach for Trent Alexander-Arnold will also be blocked despite his contract being set to expire next summer, with Real Madrid desperate to sign the 25-year-old due to their injury struggles at right-back.

Liverpool determined to keep hold of core squad members

Chiesa joined Liverpool for €12 million in the summer – a cut-price amount due to Juventus being keen to sell and the 27-year-old also having a number of fitness issues.

The Italian has been linked with a loan move to Como but Liverpool are still keen to see their new man in action and believe he can contribute to the first team this season despite his injury struggles.

Endo, meanwhile, cost Liverpool €20m last summer and, while he proved to be a reliable option in midfield, the 31-year-old was always considered a stop gap and more of a squad option in the long-term.

Ryan Gravenberch has proven to be a mainstay in Slot’s midfield this season, having played every minute of every game so far, leading to Endo not being needed as much, although, like Chiesa, Liverpool still believe in his impact on the squad.

The situation is less clear for Alexander-Arnold given his contract stalemate, with Liverpool slowly losing faith that the England international will renew his deal given the significant interest from Real.

However, Liverpool will not look to cash in on a key player like Alexander-Arnold and are still hoping to convince him to sign a new deal, or, at worst, win a title with him before the defender leaves on a free transfer next summer.