It may be Christmas but Liverpool will be preparing for the next game as they are back in Premier League action this week. The Reds host Leicester City at Anfield in the late kick-off (8pm) on Boxing Day.

The game could be a chance for the team to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League further. They currently sit four points clear of second-placed Chelsea, and also have a game in hand over the Blues.

Leicester, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-0 home defeat against Wolves at the weekend. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side currently sit two points above the relegation places, in 17th position.

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The festive fixtures also mean that the January transfer window is not far away. It’s no surprise that there has been talk of who could come and go and Anfield.

With that in mind, here is a look at a couple of the stories doing the rounds over the last 24 hours.

Martin Zubimendi alternative

Liverpool are eyeing a move for FC Porto’s Nico Gonzalez in the January transfer window, according to reports, with the midfielder a potential alternative to summer transfer target Martin Zubimendi. It is reported that scouts have been impressed by Gonzalez’s performances in Portugal.

The 26-year-old has a £49.8 million buy-out clause in his contract, meaning that he is at a similar price range to Zubimendi, despite being three years younger. While Zubimendi is said to remain a target for Arne Slot, it could be that his desire to remain at Real Sociedad as well as the value for money offered by a deal for Gonzalez could see Liverpool move on.

Liverpool sent title warning

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has praised Liverpool for their performances in recent weeks, but has problem that could have an impact on the title race. Despite having one of the best defences in the league, the Reds are without a clean sheet in their last three Premier League games, having conceded eight times.

Shearer has however been impressed with the mantality shown by Arne Slot’s side despite conceding the goals. “Look, there's still plenty to play for,” he told Betfair.

“But Liverpool look really impressive, I know they've conceded a few goals, two at Newcastle, two at home against Fulham and three on Sunday. But their performance against Spurs and their response was magnificent, particularly after Chelsea drawing and Arsenal winning and putting a little bit of pressure on them.

“They looked really at it and a strong outfit with players that are ready to come off the bench and help their team. They're going to take some beating, definitely.

“I think this season has been a really different season so far for so many reasons. Look at Bournemouth, Forest, Chelsea, even Liverpool with their new manager.

“There are so many different things that have gone on and the unpredictability that we've seen up to now has been incredible.”