Liverpool news: Slot 'wants former player back' as double deal close to being agreed

A closer look at some Liverpool headlines as the Reds are linked with bringing a player back ahead of the January transfer window and other deals are claimed to be in the works

Liverpool face a crucial game against Manchester City on Sunday as the Reds look to re-establish their Premier League title credentials. Manager Arne Slot will hope back-to-back wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid are a sign of his team getting back to their best.

While the Liverpool squad will be fully focused on earning a statement result against City, the club have been linked with several moves as the January transfer window approaches. It has been speculated that the Reds may want to welcome one of their loanees back to Anfield after a disappointing start to the season.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are reported to be working on new deals for two of their most important players. Here, Mirror Football takes a look at some of the headlines surrounding Liverpool.

Harvey Elliott transfer theory emerges

Harvey Elliott’s loan move to Aston Villa has not gone how many would have imagined. The talented midfielder has made only two starts in seven appearances and he has not featured for Unai Emery ’s side in the last month.

The 22-year-old left Liverpool on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for £35million, but former Villa CEO Keith Wyness believes he could be recalled before those clauses are met.

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“I am surprised because I think he’s a good player, but he hasn’t quite taken the eye of Emery,” Wyness said on Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast.

“Now, there’s also a big conspiracy theory going on right now. He’s on loan, and if he gets 10 games, then he triggers the obligation to buy.

“There’s talk that Liverpool want him back as well, so if the loan isn’t confirmed, then he could come back to Liverpool. Perhaps Liverpool are wishing that they had him there right now on the bench while they’ve got issues with all these new expensive signings.

“A lot of the Liverpool fans I’ve been speaking to would have been much happier to have Elliott on the field than some of these other players.”

Liverpool close to double deal

Liverpool are reportedly working on new deals for midfield pair Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch. Both arrived at the club in 2023 and have been standout players during Slot’s reign.

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Reds are progressing in talks with Szoboszlai, though negotiations are not yet at the final stages. The club are said to be prepared to improve the 25-year-old’s salary, reflecting his growing importance to the team.

Szoboszlai and Gravenberch both still have two-and-a-half years remaining on their current deals but Liverpool reportedly want to ensure both players remain at the club long-term. Gravenberch emerged as a crucial player during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, thriving in a deeper midfield position.

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