Liverpool Transfer News Today: Hancko CONTACT, Itakura clause REVEALED, Diomande rival

Here's our roundup of the latest Liverpool transfer news this Thursday. The Reds have ideas in the pipeline.

It's looking increasingly unlikely that Liverpool sign anyone in January – as you've likely noticed. But that doesn't mean the club isn't making moves for players.

After all, planning for the summer transfer window is certainly underway and Liverpool are testing the waters all over the place.

So let's have a look at the latest Liverpool transfer news.

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Liverpool ask about Hancko

It appears Liverpool are considering a move for Feyenoord centre-back David Hancko. That's according to his agent, anyway, who claims to have held talks with the Reds and Paris Saint-Germain - as well as others.

Liverpool and PSG were both tentatively linked with the player this week, prompting TNCZ to ask Branislav Jasurek about the interest. Jasurek represents Hancko as a part of FairSport International.

“As an agency, we are in contact not only with these two clubs, but also with others who are looking into David’s situation," he said.

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Reds could trigger Itakura clause

Liverpool are interested in Borussia Monchengladbach defender Ko Itakura, who's set to have a tiny release clause this summer. The Reds may take advantage.

This comes from Sky Germany. Both Florian Plettenberg and Patrick Berger report that Ko Itakura is set to have a release clause this summer.

Both Sky Germany journalists mention interest from Tottenham Hotspur but Berger also notes that Liverpool have looked at the player. This comes after claims from Fabrizio Romano a couple of weeks ago that the Reds have scouted Itakura 'multiple times'.

What's particularly notable about this is the supposed size of this clause. The claim is that it will sit between €10m and €15m, meaning the low end here could be just £8.5m.

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Newcastle enter Diomande race

Liverpool face competition from Newcastle for defensive target Ousmane Diomande. However, it's unlikely the Magpies will be able to do a deal this month.

The 20-year-old Ivory Coast centre back has emerged as a possible target for the Reds in recent days, while Anfield Watch understands his club Sporting CP will only sell for his release clause of €80m (£69m).

According to Portuguese outlet Jornal de Notícias (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are also keen on the rising star and have not given up on the idea of a move in the January window.

However, financial fair play concerns could make this one a difficult move for the Magpies. Liverpool may well hold an advantage.

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Mbappé admits he could leave PSG

The cover star of GQ France this February, Kylian Mbappe stayed coy on his future but revealed he is not planning to stay in Paris for his entire career.

Discussing the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar from PSG, Mbappe told the magazine: “Many great players who have shaped the history of football have left Europe this summer and we are entering a new era.

“It’s become part of the cycle of this sport and at some point it will be my turn to leave. I’m not worried about these changes. I’m simply thinking about continuing my career and following my own path.”

Anfield Watch understands that while Liverpool and Mbappe have flirted over the years, the Reds would only entertain a move for the man who finished third in the 2023 Ballon d'Or rankings in the event that top earner Salah were to leave the club in the summer.

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