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Liverpool transfer plans 'unaffected by takeover uncertainty'

Liverpool transfer plans 'unaffected by takeover uncertainty'
© Reuters
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group reportedly plan to splash the cash in January despite the current uncertainty surrounding a possible takeover.

Liverpool's plans for the January transfer window will reportedly not be impacted by the current uncertainty surrounding a possible takeover.

Earlier this month, Fenway Sports Group announced their intentions to search for new investment into the club, 12 years after John W Henry acquired the Reds in a £300m deal.

There was initial confusion as to whether the American firm were indeed considering a full sale, but chairman Tom Werner has confirmed that such a possibility could come to fruition.

It is currently unclear if any concrete talks are taking place with interested parties, but an FSG partner has affirmed that there is a "lot of interest" from potential investors.

Liverpool have also been rocked by the news that sporting director Julian Ward is to step down at the end of the season, with the 41-year-old informing the club that he wishes to take a break from football.

General view inside Liverpool's Anfield Stadium before the match on January 9, 2022© Reuters

A possible takeover is also believed to have been a factor in Ward's decision, with the former scout set to depart having only assumed sporting director duties from Michael Edwards last year.

Ward will remain in his role until the end of the campaign, though, meaning that the Reds chief will spearhead the search for reinforcements in the January transfer window.

According to Football Insider, Jurgen Klopp's side still plan to be active over the winter, and their transfer activity will not be impacted by any potential takeover talks.

FSG supposedly want to make a marquee signing as a parting gift before ceding control of Liverpool to new owners, and they are willing to provide the funds for a priority target of Klopp's.

The report adds that the club are prepared to fork out "huge" money on a star acquisition in January, with club-record revenues of £550m for the 2021-22 season expected to be announced soon.

Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring for Borussia Dortmund on October 5, 2022© Reuters

Midfield is understood to be a priority area of improvement for Liverpool, who have long been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund and England protege Jude Bellingham.

The Reds were tipped to move for the 19-year-old in the summer, but Klopp was initially satisfied with his midfield options before injuries led to a last-minute dash for reinforcements.

Arthur arrived on loan from Juventus on transfer deadline day, but the Brazilian is now out for the long-term himself with a thigh injury, and a push for a new midfielder could therefore take place in January.

Bellingham is also thought to be on the radar of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, and the teenager supposedly has his heart set on a switch to the Bernabeu.

Juventus' Adrien Rabiot and Leicester City's Youri Tielemans have been mentioned as possible alternatives to Bellingham for Liverpool, who are also said to be willing to let Naby Keita leave on a free transfer at the end of the season, having tried and failed to agree a new contract with the 27-year-old.

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General view inside Liverpool's Anfield Stadium before the match on January 9, 2022
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2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


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