Article by Joe Musker
The Reds are unlikely to bring in any major signings in January, and plans are already afoot for the summer window. Bayer Leverkusen attacker, Julian Brandt is likely to be one of Europe's most sought after players in the summer, and 18 year-old Borussia Dortmund star, Christian Pulisic is also likely to be in high demand.
Liverpool may have to qualify for the Champions League if they are to compete for the pair, but both players will know how good Jürgen Klopp is at getting the best out of his players, especially Pulisic who knows Klopp from his time at Dortmund.
Southampton are one of a number of clubs interested in Mamadou Sakho. The French centre back has not featured for Liverpool once this season, due to discipline issues with Jürgen Klopp, but Sakho is not short of admirers.
As well as Southampton, there is interest from Sevilla, Bournemouth, Swansea and Galatasary in the defender, but Liverpool want around £20m for Sakho, a figure which could put potential suitors off.
Liverpool may have to loan Sakho out, but that is a last resort, and the club have made it clear to Sakho they would prefer to sell him as he doesn't have a future at Anfield.
Sakho would prefer to stay in England if possible, and is open to a move to Southampton, where he would play under French compatriot, Claude Puel.
Lucas Leiva is another player who has an uncertain future at Anfield. Inter Milan offered to take Lucas on loan, but would not commit to buying the Brazilian in the summer, a deal Liverpool were not keen on. It is yet to be seen whether Inter will come back with a better offer.
Lucas is aware of Inter Milan's interest, and is not content with a place on Liverpool's bench. The midfielder who has been at Anfield for 10 years is not the type of player to agitate for a move, and the club will not stand in his way if they receive a reasonable permanent offer, or a loan deal with a guarantee to buy in the summer.
Lucas' contract is up in 2018, and it seems unlikely he will be at Liverpool after this summer.
Liverpool will continue to monitor the progress of Coventry youngster, Cian Harries. The 19 year-old impressed recently in a trial match for Liverpool u23s, a 6-0 win against Bangor City, but the Reds are yet to table an offer for defender.
Tiago Ilori completed a £3.75m move to Reading yesterday. Liverpool will also receive 35% of any fee Reading receive should they sell the Portuguese centre back.
