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With the January transfer window open, Premier League side Liverpool have the chance to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season.
The Reds have fallen behind Manchester City in the race for the league title. They will hope to close down the 11-point lead Pep Guardiola’s side have opened up in the coming months.
Liverpool returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-0 win over Brentford this past Sunday. They will now hope to beat Arsenal in their next game in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Thursday.
On that note, here's a look at the key transfer stories revolving around the Merseyside club as of January 17, 2022.
Crooks says Liverpool should by Ward-Prowse
BBC pundit Garth Crooks believes James Ward-Prowse would be the ideal signing for Liverpool’s midfield.
The Reds have looked light in the midfield department following Gini Wijnaldum’s departure and Crooks feels Ward-Prowse can aide their struggling midfield:
"They allowed Georginio Wijnaldum to leave on a free transfer and are struggling in that midfield department. Ward-Prowse would fit like a glove," he said.
Liverpool are yet to sign a player in the January transfer window, and it’s unlikely they will make an approach for the Southampton man.
The Reds will have an additional option when Harvey Elliot returns to full training after recently recovering from a broken ankle.
Liverpool make contact with Ronaldo Araujo
Liverpool have reportedly begun talks with Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo regarding a potential move. The centre-back's current contract with the Blaugrana comes to an end in 2023.
As per Sport, Araujo has offers from the Premier League and is keen on a move as Barcelona are not willing to accept his wage demands.
Liverpool currently have five senior centre-backs at the club, so they may have to sell one or even two to make way for Araujo.
Nat Phillips and Joe Gomez have been linked with exits, and the former could leave as early as this month if Liverpool receive a bid in the region of £15 million.
Liverpool have the chance to sign Zakaria for £5 million
Denis Zakaria has been linked with a move to the Premier League with the trio of Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester interested in signing him.
The Swiss ace will be a free agent in July, but reports have indicated he will be available for a cut-price fee of around £5 million in January.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool will make an offer as Borussia Monchengladbach director Max Eberl revealed the club have not received any bids for Zakaria.
