Reports of Liverpool interest in 1. FC Nurnberg's on-loan striker Stefanos Tzimas have been shut down almost immediately. The 19-year-old is flourishing in the German second division, though at present the Reds appear to be an unlikely next stop in his career.

Sky Sports in Germany credited Anfield chiefs with interest in Tzimas earlier this week. The striker is currently on loan at Nurnberg from Greek side PAOK with an €18m (£15m) purchase option - the report stated they would pay this, then Liverpool had apparently 'opened talks' to secure a €25m (£21m) deal with add-ons.

There were claims a deal could be completed for the summer and his current sporting director confirmed that January will not see any activity happen. When asked about the rumour the reply was: "We will not be letting go of any key players in the winter."

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Now, cold water has been thrown on the story by media in England, with the ECHO also understanding this to be case. So, the future remains open for a young goalscorer The Guardian named in their 60 best young talents in world football in October 2023.

If the Reds are not to sign this striker either this month or during the next window, legend Jamie Carragher has called upon owners FSG to splash the cash on a defender.

Reacting to Tuesday's 1-1 draw at second-place Nottingham Forest, he posted to X: "Liverpool should’ve won tonight, but they continue to create big chances even in the games they don’t win, but the defensive solidity they had at the start of the season has gone. Always look likely to concede. Buy a defender!!!!"

Now aged 30, Andy Robertson's 2024/25 performances have been inconsistent whilst Kostas Tsimikas remains very much his understudy. So, prior to the window opening it was recruiting a left-sided full-back that the Reds favourite-turned-Sky Sports pundit had spoke about most.

Appearing on football coverage over the festive period he reacted to rumours linking Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, naming the Hungarian 'one to watch'. The latest word on this front is the Cherries' reluctance to do business this month.

Carragher was also a huge fan of Fulham's Antonee Robinson following his two assists during a 2-2 Premier League draw at Anfield, stating: "I think Liverpool probably will be shopping for a left-back in January and I’m sure he will be top of the list."

Though the truth of the matter is that neither have been the subject of fresh talk since Tuesday night's demand. Instead, Lecce's Patrick Dorgu is a €40m (£33.6m) target for the Reds this window, claim Solo Lecce.

Talk of the 20-year-old Denmark international heading to Anfield has surfaced in previous windows. He has made 55 total appearances in Italy with an attacking return of five goals and two assists.