Liverpool Transfer News Today: Diomande assessed, Morocco star's INVITE, Kelleher price tag REVEALED

We're getting to the business end of the January transfer window now and the links keep on coming for Liverpool FC.

The Reds remain unlikely to strengthen this month, but there is still plenty going on in the rumour mill, including updates on interest in Bilal El Khannouss, Ousmane Diomande and some possible outgoings.

Here is your latest Liverpool transfer news...

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Ousmane Diomande interest dismissed

It's no secret that Liverpool are on the lookout for a new centre-back. However, one name that has been linked heavily in recent weeks now seems to be off the cards, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Reports had emerged this week that Liverpool were not only considering signing Goncalo Inacio from Sporting Lisbon, but that they also wanted his central defensive partner Ousmane Diomande, too.

The Ivorian, currently on duty at the Africa Cup of Nations in his home country, has a release clause of €80m, having emerged as one of the world’s leading young central defenders since completing a €7.5m move from Denmark’s Midtjylland in January 2023.

However, Romano has since poured cold water on the Liverpool links, saying: “Diomande is a fantastic centre back, he can be an excellent addition for any club. But, despite links with Liverpool, I’m not aware of movement around Diomande now, honestly."

“He’s been linked with ten clubs but there is nothing concrete on Sporting’s table so far.”

Diomande isn't expected to come cheap; the 20-year-old is under contract with the Lisbon side until June 2027.

Invite for Moroccan starlet's agent

Liverpool have reportedly intensified their interest in Genk's rising star Bilal El Khannouss, inviting the player's agent (who is also his mother) for talks over a potential move.

Despite Atletico Madrid naming him a priority target for the January transfer window, plus interest from Bayer Leverkusen, Genk are reluctant to allow a January transfer and are hoping to get a higher fee (they hope a Belgian record) for the 19-year-old in the summer.

The attacking midfielder, who can also play from the left, has scored three goals and provided three assists in 20 Jupiler Pro League appearances this season. He is currently away at AFCON with Morocco.

Unlikely ex-Chelsea star wants Liverpool offer

An improbable story from Catalan outlet El Nacional reports that former Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger is angling for a possible move to Liverpool.

This comes against the backdrop of the 30-year-old reportedly pressuring Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez for an extension to his contract despite it running until 2026.

It's believed that the German is using interest from Saudi Arabia and Jurgen Klopp, who sees him as a potentially "low-risk investment", to try to negotiate a pay rise.

Price tag set for Caoimhin Kelleher

Clubs interested in securing the services of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher have been told that any bid in excess of £20 million will be accepted in the summer.

According to Football Insider, Celtic are the frontrunners for the Irishman's signature as they look to replace Joe Hart, whose contract is coming to an end.

However, such a high price tag (which would be a club-record fee for the Scottish champions) is believed to be prohibitive. Despite widespread interest, no club is expected to match this valuation. There is, however, a possibility of a loan-to-buy deal if Liverpool lower their asking price.

This is expected to be Kelleher's last season at Anfield as the 25-year-old becomes increasingly eager to secure regular first-team football.

Liverpool duo set to leave this month

Liverpool defenders Calvin Ramsay and Nat Phillips are both expected to leave before the end of January, with a number of clubs expressing an interest in taking them on a loan deal.

The pair recently returned to Anfield after Phillips' half-season stint at Celtic was not renewed and Ramsay was recalled early after finding his playing time limited by a series of injuries.

While the Reds are short in defensive areas due to injuries, it appears that Klopp won't stand in the way of the pair in their search for regular game time.

Speaking ahead of his side's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Fulham, the Reds' assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders confirmed that there is substantial interest in securing the services of the pair on loan: "There’s interest, which is good. We have to find, with the agent, with himself, with the clubs, the right decision for the player."