Liverpool transfer news: Next wonderkid FOUND in former Man City SENSATION

Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes is managing a number of complex situations at the club.

There’s the ongoing contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk, the search for midfield reinforcements and a replacement for Andy Robertson, and the need to confirm a long-term plan for replacing Alisson in goal.

The Reds made Giorgi Mamardashvili one of the first transfers of the Arne Slot era during the summer, signing the Georgian for £30m before sending him back on loan to Valencia for the season.

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Originally, it was thought that Mamardashvili would replace Caoimhin Kelleher as Alisson’s backup next season ahead of the Brazilian potentially leaving the club in 2026.

However, Alisson’s injury earlier this season and Kelleher’s good form in his absence led to some fans calling for Kelleher to stay at the club to fight with Mamardashvili for the number one spot, and Alisson to be sold for a big fee.

Arne Slot has basically ruled this out as an option however, as Kelleher’s good form won’t be enough to bench Alisson, who will be back in goal “soon”, according to the boss.

Kelleher is more likely to leave next summer, as Ireland assistant manager John O’Shea let slip live on TV during the week.

It means Liverpool will need to find a long-term number two in goal, with Alisson recently admitting he wants to head back to Brazil when his time at Anfield ends.

And Liverpool have now been linked with a former Man City goalkeeper who could fit the bill perfectly.

Liverpool ‘impressed’ by Sheffield Wednesday’s Pierce Charles

According to a report from Sheffield Wednesday News, Liverpool are among a number of clubs who have scouted Northern Irish goalkeeper Pierce Charles with a view to signing him in January.

The report states: “Liverpool watched Charles in action for Northern Ireland earlier this season and were ‘impressed’ by what they saw.”

At only 19-years-old, Charles is already a regular in goal for the senior Northern Ireland team, having made his debut against Bulgaria earlier this season. He impressed in that game with his incredible range of passing.

Charles has broken records for the national team as well, becoming the first goalkeeper to keep three clean sheets in a row for Northern Ireland since 2017 during the most recent international break - no mean feat for a side of Northern Ireland's stature.

A former Man City youth player, Charles would qualify as a homegrown player in Arne Slot’s squad and wouldn’t break the bank at a time when FSG are trying to fund expensive contract deals for Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.

The report also says that the club are ‘scouring’ the EFL for potential additions to the squad, and are considering a move for Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson as well.

If Liverpool are to make any January signings, young, cheap players would be the most likely additions.

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