Liverpool transfer news: Two defenders on Reds' radar as medical planned for Sunday

Liverpool's pursuit of Marc Guehi has ended with the defender set to join Manchester City for £30m, leaving the Reds to consider alternatives to strengthen their defence

The January transfer window is well underway, yet Liverpool have been relatively quiet so far - aside from acquiring Mor Talla Ndiaye from Amitie and sending James Norris to Shelbourne. However, with ongoing issues in their defence, it would be prudent for manager Arne Slot to act swiftly to secure the best possible outcome for the 2025/26 season.

Any aspirations of retaining the Premier League title they clinched last year seem increasingly unlikely, as they currently sit fourth in the table, trailing Mikel Arteta's top-placed Arsenal by 14 points. It seems Liverpool's focus may now shift towards securing a spot in European football for the 2026/27 season.

However, the club encountered a minor setback on Saturday afternoon when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Anfield. Consequently, Reds supporters around the globe may be hoping for some action before the February 2 deadline to ignite a spark in the team's performance.

READ MORE : Steven Gerrard makes Arne Slot prediction after 'unacceptable' Liverpool draw with BurnleyREAD MORE : Arne Slot explains what is holding back new signings after latest Liverpool disappointment

Here, we take a look at the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Liverpool.

Marc Guehi transfer confirmed

In an ideal scenario, Liverpool's £35million deal with Crystal Palace on deadline day would have proceeded smoothly, with the Reds strengthening their defence with one of England's top centre-backs. However, destiny had different plans for the 25-year-old Eagles' captain.

A transfer between the two sides fell through at the final moment, leaving Liverpool to depend once again on the defensive partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate throughout the campaign, particularly after Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious ACL injury during his first appearance against Southampton in the Carabao Cup back in September.

FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page

Whilst Guehi has remained the subject of speculation linking him with Liverpool throughout January, given his Selhurst Park contract runs out this summer, he is now poised to join rivals Manchester City instead. Pep Guardiola's side became the leading candidates after injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, though Liverpool were still believed to be interested.

That situation shifted this week, though, when Oliver Glasner inadvertently revealed during his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's fixture with Sunderland that the defender was nearing a transfer, whilst declining to name the destination club.

The Austrian manager commented: "My latest understanding is that the deal with Marc is in the final stages... I cannot confirm the club, because it's still not done, but in the final stages, and the result is that Marc doesn't play tomorrow for us."

Reports now suggest Guehi will undergo a medical with Manchester City on Sunday, before completing a £30m switch to the Etihad Stadium, sending Liverpool back to square one.

Interest in £50m Bundesliga star

In December, it was reported that Liverpool had engaged in discussions with Nico Schlotterbeck's representatives about a potential move to the Premier League. With Guehi seemingly no longer an option, the Reds might intensify their efforts to secure the Borussia Dortmund star this month.

Insiders suggest that the centre-back is on Liverpool's radar along with Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni, and that the German player is not interested in renewing his contract with the Bundesliga heavyweights, preferring a move instead.

Click here to read article