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Liverpool want Rafinha as part of the Philippe Coutinho deal
According to the reports in the Daily Star, Liverpool are pushing for a swap deal, that involves Barcelona outcast Rafinha, as a part of the Catalans' offer for Philippe Coutinho.
The La Liga giants are all set to push Liverpool to the limits by offering a blockbuster £150 million deal for the Brazilian but it is now believed that they could include Rafinha as leverage amidst interest from Jurgen Klopp.
Rafinha is yet to play for Barcelona this season and has been frozen out of the first team ever since Ernesto Valverde took charge in the summer.
The 24-year-old is likely to be concerned with his lack of playing time which could derail his chances of making the World Cup squad of Brazil in the summer.
Add that to the potential arrival of Coutinho and the player could very well seek greener pastures sooner rather than later.
Klopp is expected to be tempted by the midfielder's adaptability to play as a full-back whenever required and sees him as a vital cog in Liverpool's huge overhaul at the back which started with the signing of Virgil van Dijk on a record transfer fee.
Emre Can attracting interest from Manchester United
Manchester United have now joined the race for Liverpool midfielder Emre Can, according to various reports in England. Can is open to signing a pre-contract agreement this month after Liverpool's attempts to negotiate a contract renewal failed to materialise.
Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen on acquiring the German's services and believes that he could become a long-term successor to Micheal Carrick, who is currently in the twilight of his career.
The Red Devils have been provided with a boost in their pursuit for the 23-year-old after Juventus boss Max Allegri confirmed that he isn't looking for any reinforcements during the winter transfer window.
“We have 21-22 players and the core is of quality. I have not asked for any reinforcements because then we will have too many and I’ll have too much chaos to think about. I’m happy with this team, the important thing is not to lower the tempo," Allegri commented.
United are currently trailing league leaders Manchester City by 15 points and it is quite clear that Mourinho is looking for reinforcements that can help them push their rivals till the end.
Ryan Kent set for Liverpool return
According to Daily Mail, Liverpool youngster Ryan Kent will return to Anfield in January after a disappointing loan stint with Bundesliga outfit SC Freiburg.
The 21-year-old impressed for the Reds during pre-season and was tied down to a five-year contract with the club before completing his loan move to Germany in the summer.
However, Kent has struggled for playing time in the Bundesliga and has made just seven appearances for Christian Streich’s side, including just a solitary start in the league.
The winger has been involved in just 45 minutes of football since November and it is rumoured that Kent won't be a part of the Freiburg squad that travels to Spain for their mid-season training camp this month.
Kent returned to Merseyside during the festive period and is now preparing to agree an early termination of his loan agreement with Freiburg. The winger is still keen on a loan deal that can guarantee him regular first team football and a switch to another Championship or lower league club looks imminent having already appeared for the likes of Coventry City and Barnsley in the past.
