Liverpool could complete a stunning midfield deal in January that would leave their rivals reeling, while Friday’s Transfer Gossip claims West Ham are now chasing a double Brazilian move in the new year.

KLOPP COULD FINALLY LAND HIS TOP TARGET

Liverpool are reportedly willing to commit a huge sum to securing the landmark signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham and it could even come as soon as January.

The Anfield outfit have been chasing the 19-year-old for some time and have already held preliminary talks with intermediaries about a potential deal.

The Reds are said to have forged a strong relationship with Bellingham’s camp with a view to completing an eventual club-record deal.

While Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea also covet the teenager, the links Liverpool have formed still make them favourites.

The player’s father Mark Bellingham plays a key role in guiding his son’s career. Indeed, multiple sources state he is far more influential than agents or intermediaries.

Football Insider reports that Bellingham senior believes Liverpool would be a great fit for his son. That is despite the fact that Champions League qualification will play a huge part in any deal.

Summer deal likely but January not off the cards

But according to FI sources, Dortmund are expected to allow Bellingham to leave, with a January deal even ‘possible’. However, a summer switch remains more likely, given the player will then know which suitors have qualified for Europe’s top cup competition.

So far Dortmund have failed to make progress in securing Bellingham to a contract extension. His existing deal runs out in the summer of 2025.

The player’s valuation is currently well over the £100million mark and his form this season has only aided that figure.

In 18 games this term, Bellingham has scored eight goals and added two assists.

He is also expected to be a major player for England at the World Cup in Qatar.

Indeed, a successful tournament for the Bellingham and the Three Lions could see his price tag rise even further.

WEST HAM TIPPED FOR DOUBLE BRAZILIAN DEAL

West Ham are keen on landing £9million-rated midfielder Pablo Maia, while they are also close to landing his Sao Paulo teammate Luizao.

Maia has previously been linked with Fulham, who submitted a £6.5m bid for his services.

However, the Brazilian outfit are holding out for nearer to £9m. And that fee that could be to West Ham’s liking, as a deal for Luizao also nears.

Luizao, 20, is a highly-rated centre-back who is available on a free in the January window.

UOL states that Luizao is expected to arrive in London sooner rather than later.

Sao Paulo are in the process of offloading several players due to financial problems.

Indeed, their coach Rogerio Ceni admitted: “There must be players who leave. Probably six, seven, or eight players will leave. Luizao is very likely to leave.

“Not that the club wants it, but (he will leave) because of the player’s desire.

“The contract is expiring in January. We will have some departures and changes. It’s part of (football). It’s a painful process.”

With Luizao seemingly on his way to the London Stadium, it just remains to be seen whether West Ham complete a double Brazilian deal in the new year.

LEICESTER CONFIDENT OF SCUPPERING LIVERPOOL, ARSENAL

Leicester are confident they can reach an agreement with Youri Tielemans that will stop their star midfielder leaving on a free transfer next summer.

Tielemans’ current deal expires at the end of the season, meaning he can agree a pre-contract with overseas clubs from January.

However, it’s fellow Premier League clubs who are showing the most interest in the 25-year-old.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal hold a long-standing interest in the Belgian, who is currently in Qatar preparing for the World Cup.

But a report in the Daily Mail states that the Foxes are quietly confident Tielemans will stay.

A new deal has been on the table for the midfielder for nearly two years. However, he’s so far refused to sign it.

The alternative would be for Tielemans to leave in January for a fee, although Leicester will likely oppose that option as it would weaken them significantly unless a replacement is signed.

The article Transfer Gossip: January deal ‘possible’ as Liverpool to leave rivals reeling with midfielder swoop; West Ham chasing double Brazilian deal appeared first on Teamtalk.com.