Liverpool transfer news as Arne Slot wants $87m ace and 'two Virgil van Dijk successors lined up'

Liverpool only signed Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili during Arne Slot's first transfer window as head coach. But how busy the Reds will be in January remains to be seen.

There is definitely an argument for signing another midfielder to add to the depth in that department but aside from that, the rest of Slot's roster looks pretty well stacked. So far, things haven't looked too bad on the injury front either.

Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. We start with a supposed midfield target who used to play for Slot at Feyenoord in the Netherlands.

Orkun Kokcu (Benfica)

Orkun Kokcu was linked with a transfer move to Liverpool long before Arne Slot was at Anfield. And according to the Portuguese outlet Record , Liverpool could go back in for the ex-Feyenoord ace in January.

Now excelling with Benfica, the 23-year-old is said to be valued at around $87m (£61m/€80m). That would be a fee of more than three times what he cost to sign from the Eredivisie in 2023.

Liverpool.com says: While Liverpool does still have Harvey Elliott to return from injury and Ryan Gravenberch has surprised everyone with just how good he has been so far this season, it wouldn't be the worst idea to bring in one more body in the center of the field. If Slot was to see Gravenberch suffer an injury, his side could quickly be left looking very light.

Two Virgil van Dijk 'successors' lined up

A big priority for Liverpool should be ensuring that Virgil van Dijk is tied down to a new contract before January 1. If not, links with center-backs who could replace him should the worst happen and he leaves for nothing will only become more commonplace.

According to Caught Offside , Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP, who has long been linked with a Liverpool transfer, and Sevilla’s Loic Bade, a 24-year-old Frenchman, are both on the Reds' radar as possible successor. The pair are said to be on a shortlist at Anfield ahead of 2025 with Van Dijk's long-term future yet to be decided .

Liverpool.com says: Replacing Van Dijk is basically impossible right now. While he might not be at the same level in two years, at this very moment he remains the benchmark for center-backs the world over. Losing him at the end of the season would be a huge blow.