According to The Boot Room, Liverpool are interested in Real Sociedad midfield maestro Mikel Merino. The 26-year-old is one of the top players at the La Liga club and has represented Spain on 11 occasions. Merino joined Sociedad in 2018 for a reported fee of £10.6 million and has made 175 appearances for them, contributing 18 goals and 23 assists.The Boot Room@tbrfootballLiverpool now reportedly want to sign 'formidable' £53m midfielder likened to Xabi Alonso dlvr.it/SgrLMGLiverpool now reportedly want to sign 'formidable' £53m midfielder likened to Xabi Alonso dlvr.it/SgrLMGThe midfielder's contract with Sociedad expires in 2025, and he has a release clause of €60 million (£53 million), which could be worth it for a club like Liverpool.The Reds are looking for a midfield anchor, and Merino's qualities as a deep-lying playmaker have caught the attention of the club. They have Jude Bellingham as their primary target, but Real Madrid's presence in the race has made Bellingham's pursuit tricky.Anfield Watch@AnfieldWatch• Jude Bellingham• Enzo Fernandez• Sofyan Amrabat• Ismael Bennacer• Yunus MusahThe list of reported Liverpool midfield targets goes on.Pick the 𝘁𝘄𝗼 you would most like Liverpool to sign 184869• Jude Bellingham• Enzo Fernandez• Sofyan Amrabat• Ismael Bennacer• Yunus MusahThe list of reported Liverpool midfield targets goes on.Pick the 𝘁𝘄𝗼 you would most like Liverpool to sign 👇Meanwhile, Merino's comparison with Xabi Alonso, a legendary figure in Liverpool's midfield, is inevitable. Alonso was known for his excellent vision, passing range and ability to control the tempo of games. Merino shares many of these attributes and could be the perfect player to don Alonso's role.The player's versatility is something the club could benefit from, as he can play in central and defensive midfield, and also as a holding midfielder. That would make him a useful asset to the Reds, who desperately need a versatile midfielder to turn their season around.Undisclosed Qatari investor submits £3.5 billion bid for Liverpool, Dubai investment firms also in talksIndykaila News has reported that a £3.5 billion bid for the Reds was submitted on January 9 by an entity from the Qatar region.indykaila News@indykailaAccording to sources: We understand £3.5b bid for Liverpool Football Club has been submitted on 9th JanuaryWe understand the bid has come from the Qatar regionDubai investments firms also in talks with FSG. The Qatar bid has not been accepted or rejected at this moment #lfc2653337According to sources: We understand £3.5b bid for Liverpool Football Club has been submitted on 9th JanuaryWe understand the bid has come from the Qatar regionDubai investments firms also in talks with FSG. The Qatar bid has not been accepted or rejected at this moment #lfc https://t.co/RAzSKRzvuKAdditionally, Dubai investment firms are also said to be in talks with the Reds' current owners, Fenway Sports Group. Currently, it's unclear whether the Qatar bid has been accepted or rejected by FSG. This is a developing story, and more details are awaited in the next few days.The Reds have struggled this season, and the added uncertainty about the club's future could add to their woes. They are seventh with 28 points after 17 games, seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.