Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Steve Mandanda and Nicolas Nkoulou Rumours

Liverpool's bid to strengthen their squad this January could involve moves for a pair of Marseille stars. The Reds are reportedly interested in the Ligue 1 club's goalkeeper, Steve Mandanda, as well as centre-back Nicolas Nkoulou.

Mandanda is seen as the ideal replacement for Liverpool's Belgian stopper, Simon Mignolet. That's according to French source Le Phoceen (h/t Liam Corless of the Daily Mirror).

Apparently, the Reds are so enamoured with 30-year-old Mandanda they can't wait to sign him: "Liverpool want to sign Mandanda in January, despite the possibility of getting him for free when his contract expires in the summer."

The club is stepping up the deal with the talks described as "intense," per Le Phoceen (h/t the Daily Telegraph). But Mandanda is far from the only goalkeeper currently on Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's radar.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo) has claimed Klopp is always casting eyes towards Lazio's Federico Marchetti. The 32-year-old is another 'keeper whose contract runs out this summer. Klopp apparently sees him "as a low-cost option."

Fernando Muslera is not a cheap option. But a £15 million price tag hasn't deterred Klopp's interest in the Galatasaray stopper.

Turkish source Kralspor (h/t Metro's Tom Olver) claims Klopp and the Reds have "made contact" regarding the Uruguay international. But the same reports also note how Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek is "determined" not to sell.

Yves Logghe/Associated Press

What's clear from all these rumours is Liverpool's obvious interest in upgrading the situation between the sticks. Mignolet has never been able to replicate the impressive displays he produced for Sunderland since he pulled on a Liverpool shirt in 2013.

Adding a more assured presence at the back is a necessary first step in Klopp's Anfield rebuild. He's brought plenty of fluidity and energy to Liverpool's attacking play.

But like many managers before him, Klopp's main priority remains fixing problems in defence.

Nicolas Nkoulou a Target

Nkoulou is another Marseille star Klopp could bid for before his contract expires in the summer. The Cameroon international won't extend his stay with Marseille, according to French website BuzzSport (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star).

Claude Paris/Associated Press

Nkoulou will leave at the end of this season. But any potential suitors are certain to face competition, per Anderson: "The 25-year-old is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement in January in a deal that would constitute a serious coup. However, a number of Europe's elite are interested in the Cameroonian international and could potentially submit a bid to gazump their rivals."

Website WinnerSports (h/t Anderson) claims Liverpool will look to take advantage of the player's contract situation, a situation that means he could be "available for as little as £5million."

Any team that can sign Nkoulou for such a nominal fee should feel proud. He's a terrific defender, tough as nails and very smart, with an exceptional ability to read the game.

Nkoulou is rugged and uncompromising. But he's also comfortable on the ball. He would adapt well to Klopp's quick-breaking game, one that keeps possession on the deck and moves the ball quickly from the back.

Nkoulou would make a very capable partner for Dejan Lovren, a defender who has flourished since Klopp arrived on Merseyside. The Anfield gaffer has expressed surprise at how well Lovren has performed, according to Pete Oliver of the Daily Telegraph.

Pairing a resurgent Lovren together with Nkoulou, in front of a steadier goalkeeper, would give the Reds the defensive foundation they'll need to compete for a top-four finish on Klopp's watch.