Liverpool Transfer News Today: FRESH Saudi Salah approach, competition for PRIME TARGET & midfield JEWELS linked

While Liverpool are unlikely to make any moves in the current January transfer window, that hasn't stopped the Reds being linked with every player under the sun. 

Some rumours are far-fetched, but others are far more plausible. Either way, it's worth dissecting the latest Liverpool transfer news today.

Here is your recap for Friday 19 January.

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FRESH SAUDI APPROACH FOR MOHAMED SALAH

Having tried desperately hard to sign Mohamed Salah last summer, the Saudi Pro League are not giving up on the Egyptian just yet.

Given Liverpool are yet to tie Salah down to a new deal - his contract expires in 2025 - Saudi Arabia feel they could persuade the attacker to move to the Pro League, with 90min claiming they will make a fresh approach for him this summer.

Liverpool reportedly have a good relationship with those involved with Saudi's Public Investment Fund, a relationship that was strengthened by deals for Jordan Henderson and Fabinho last summer.

90min do stress that Salah remains 'very happy at Liverpool' and could yet sign a new deal with the Merseyside club, although nothing concrete is in place as of yet.

However, given Salah will be 32 by the beginning of next season, Liverpool's resolve would be tested by a gargantuan Saudi bid for the forward.

PRIME LIVERPOOL TARGET LINKED WITH MAN UTD

Liverpool have been strongly linked with Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Ko Itakura recently, the Reds potentially making a move for the Japan international this summer.

However, Liverpool face stiff competition from Manchester United for transfer target Ko Itakura, according to FootballTransfers.

The report claims Itakura is a "prime target" for United, due to his relatively low price tag (approximately £13m), with Liverpool potentially having to go head-to-head with the Red Devils for his signature.

Perhaps the presence of Wataru Endo at Anfield - his international teammate - could help convince him that a move to Liverpool suits him better.

LIVERPOOL INTERESTED IN REAL SOCIEDAD DUO

Liverpool are supposedly one of the clubs who have been keeping tabs on Real Sociedad duo Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.

The midfielders have excelled for the Basque side in recent years, helping to propel them into this season's Champions League last 16.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool – along with Aston Villa and Barcelona – have held an interest in both midfielders, who are seen as 'jewels' of this impressive Real Sociedad side.

The report only makes passing mention of the Reds' interest with the piece instead focussed on how both Merino and Zubimendi struggled in the 2-1 derby defeat to Athletic Club last week.

However, it remains unclear how concrete Liverpool interest in the pair is at present.

GONCALO INACIO WAITING FOR BIG CLUB LIKE LIVERPOOL

Reds transfer target Goncalo Inacio is reportedly waiting for a move to a big club like Liverpool as interest continues to grow in the Sporting CP defender.

Liverpool have long been linked with a move for centre-back Goncalo Inacio amid the expectation that they will strengthen the heart of their defence in coming transfer windows.

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Inacio rejected an offer from Newcastle United in the past as he waits for a move to a bigger club that is more likely to fight for titles.

One of the clubs named were Liverpool, suggesting that Inacio would be open to an Anfield switch. However, Arsenal and Real Madrid are also named, meaning the Reds face stiff competition for the 22-year-old's signature if they decide to pursue him further.