Managing Liverpool - Martin Zubimendi deal, three contracts agreed, defender signs

Liverpool are enjoying their new era with Arne Slot as the club's head coach. Jurgen Klopp left Anfield last summer, after almost nine years in charge, and now Slot has taken on the job of bringing more success and silverware to the red half of Merseyside.

The first few months of the season has seen Slot push Liverpool to the top of the Premier League standings, going into November's international break. The Reds have a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City - and are nine ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal in third and fourth, respectively.

Slot had a quiet summer transfer window ahead of his first season as Liverpool's head coach, with two new signings completed and only one being added to the squad for this season. It remains to be seen if any more business will be conducted when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

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Here, the Liverpool ECHO takes a look at what Slot could, and should, do as Liverpool head coach as the January transfer window approaches;

Sign Zubimendi

It was well-documented in the summer that Liverpool wanted to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The midfielder has a £51million release clause in his contract that was rumoured to be on the verge of being extended after he rejected the chance to move to Anfield.

However, Zubimendi remains on the same terms at Sociedad as he was when Liverpool tried to sign him. If the Reds still want to add a new No.6 to their squad - and Zubimendi is the player they still believe fits the bill there - then revisiting a deal in January should be under consideration.

What may force Liverpool to reconsider, though, is the form of Ryan Gravenberch. The Netherlands international has shone in his new role alongside Alexis Mac Allister in Slot's midfield, so now the question remains on whether or not the Reds need a player of Zubimendi's profile.

Agree new contracts

What has been a major topic of speculation this season is the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. All three players are vital to the Reds' hopes of achieving success this term, but find themselves approaching the final six months of their contracts.

It remains to be seen if any agreement can be reached with Alexander-Arnold, Salah or Van Dijk. However, as the talks and prospect of talks gather pace in some circles, doing just that should be a priority for the next few weeks.

Agree Kerkez deal

One player who has been heavily linked with a switch to Liverpool over the last few weeks is Milos Kerkez. The Bournemouth left-back was reportedly the subject of interest from Manchester United last summer, and now it seems as though the Reds are interested in his signature, as well.

Liverpool have Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas as two left-back options, but there was also talk this summer about a new left-sided defender, or full-back, being signed in the near future. If the Reds want to plan for the long-term, then agreeing a deal for Kerkez sooner rather than later would be a wise decision.