Liverpool transfer news: Klopp interested in former Real Madrid star, Reds courting Portuguese winger and more - 18th January 2018

Klopp believes that business is far from over
Klopp believes that business is far from over

Liverpool want James Rodriguez

According to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Liverpool have reportedly identified Real Madrid star James Rodriguez as the ideal replacement for Philippe Coutinho. The Colombian is currently on loan at Bayern Munich after a reported fall-out between him and manager Zinedine Zidane last summer.

Rodriguez is tied down to a two-year loan deal with Bayern but the deal can be terminated if Liverpool show persistent interest in the player.

James will certainly leave the Bernabeu sooner rather than later
James will certainly leave the Bernabeu sooner rather than later

The Colombian has rediscovered his touch in the Bundesliga and still remains as one of the most sought-after players in Europe at this point of time. Liverpool will be looking to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding his future by acting quickly to try and secure his invaluable services, before it's too late.

Despite their impressive win against Manchester City, Klopp will believe that his team has to keep the good run going as they try to gain some much-needed momentum that can help them force the initiative for the desired results.

When asked to comment on Coutinho's departure by the Independent, Jurgen Klopp said:

"If we do something then it needs to be the right decision. “We don’t have to replace him in this window, we have to step up. We’ll have 11 players and we played fantastic football without Phil."
“We have to go with open eyes through this transfer window, you can imagine, but we will not make crazy things. ‘Right’ before ‘expensive'," Klopp added.

Reds weighing up a move for Gelson Martins

Martins is attracting interest from a lot of suitors
Martins is attracting interest from a lot of suitors

Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a bid for Sporting Lisbon winger Gelson Martins, according to reports in the Metro. If reports are to be believed, Klopp is more than willing to step-up their pursuit for the tricky Portuguese, who has shown incredible ability for his age.

Martins' release clause stands at £53 million and Liverpool are making efforts to try and match the price but a deal has not been agreed upon yet. Based on these rumours, it is believed that Martins will earn around £80,000-per-week, which is more than five times of what the player is earning now with Sporting in Portugal.

However, Sporting are under no pressure of selling the winger and are now planning to offer him an improved contract extension that will keep him at the club till 2022 while raising his release clause to a whopping £88 million.

Liverpool should move quickly if they are to acquire the services of the highly rated Portuguese who is being courted by a number of clubs including the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur as we speak.


Marko Grujic joins Cardiff City on loan

Grujic has joined Cardiff on a season-long loan
Grujic has joined Cardiff on a season-long loan

Cardiff City have confirmed via Twitter that they have completed the signing of Liverpool youngster Marko Grujic on loan for the remainder of the season. The Serbian had featured briefly for the first team on a few occasions this season and the deal is expected to provide him with the desired amount of playing time at this stage of his career.

The 21-year-old is relishing the prospect of regular first-team football in the Championship with high-flying Cardiff City and said in an interview:

"This is perhaps the breakthrough moment of my career. I know that I’ve been given a great chance to play for the next six months in a big club. Thanks to Mr Klopp for all he has done for me."
“He has been encouraging me for so many months. I hope to help Cardiff win promotion to the Premier League," Grujic added.

A number of Premier League clubs including Huddersfield Town and West Ham were also interested in acquiring his services but it is believed that Klopp made the decision with respect to the significant amount of playing time he will get in the Championship in comparison to the top-flight.

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Edited by Aakanksh Sanketh