Liverpool transfer news roundup: Wirtz admired, Zielinski queue, Araujo rejected

Another day, another round of transfer rumours to chomp your teeth into.

We're less than two months away from the January transfer window - and as is only natural, the rumour mill is getting back into full swing.

Here are the latest names linked with a switch to Merseyside.

Florian Wirtz

Liverpool have joined the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City in the race for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, according to the Daily Star.

Wirtz has been part of Xabi Alonso's sensational Leverkusen side that has taken the Bundesliga by storm this season, currently topping the league after ten games, winning nine and drawing one.

While City appear to hold the early edge in an inevitable transfer scrap for £80million-rated Wirtz next summer, news of Liverpool’s growing interest has reportedly altered the picture.

Jurgen Klopp is said to be a huge admirer of Wirtz, seeing him as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, who could be bound for a Saudi switch next summer.

And according to Football Transfers, Wirtz is also a fan of fellow countryman Klopp - a factor which could prove decisive in the race for the German international.

Piotr Zielinski

Many moons ago in the summer of 2015, the Reds were on the verge of signing a young, Polish midfielder by the name of Piotr Zielinski.

That move fell through and he instead joined Napoli that year, where he's gone on to become a Serie A champion.

Now, over eight years later, his future is back up in the air - and with his contract expiring in 2024, he could become available on a free in June.

According to Corriere dello Sport (via Football 365), Liverpool are among the clubs monitoring his situation.

Second time's a charm?

Ronald Araujo

Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo has turned down a contract offer from Liverpool in order to stay at Barcelona, according to Sport.

Liverpool are among the sides reportedly keen to sign the Uruguayan defender, with Chelsea also said to have an offer on the table.

Araujo will reportedly 'give up a lot of money' to remain at the reigning La Liga champions, who are believed to be preparing to offer him improved terms in 2024.