Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours and Speculation Around Anfield Club

The summer transfer window came to a spectacular conclusion on Monday, but the top clubs in football never rest on their laurels. Liverpool are already planning ahead with the January window in mind, as Brendan Rodgers continues to refine and reshape his squad.

Plenty of talent was brought in during the summer to offset the loss of Luis Suarez, and the early performances of the Reds' young squad look promising. But more talent can always be added, something Rodgers knows all too well.

Here's the latest buzz surrounding Liverpool's transfer dealings.

Xherdan Shaqiri

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Bayern Munich's Xherdan Shaqiri revealed the Reds made a concrete offer for his services during the summer, as reported by the Daily Star's Bruce Archer. Speaking ahead of Switzerland's Euro 2016 qualifier against England, he told reporters: "Liverpool made a bid for me but Bayern put their foot down and told me, ‘we’re not going to sell you.' My contract runs until 2016 and I could possibly extend it. I will consider my decision during the winter break."

Speculation regarding a possible exit from the Bavarians surrounded the Swiss international throughout the summer, with the 22-year-old not getting the playing time he desires under Pep Guardiola.

Shaqiri was phenomenal during the 2014 World Cup, reminding everyone of his undeniable talent. A quick and technical winger with an excellent nose for goal, his style of play seems tailor-made for the English Premier League.

Bayern are desperate to hold on to their prized youngster, and he's been playing more regularly in the 2014-15 season. But if Shaqiri can't become a regular in the team's starting XI between now and January, teams will undoubtedly return with offers when the market reopens.

The Reds hardly have a need for another scoring winger, but given Shaqiri's incredible potential, a move would still make sense. The thought of facing a combination of Shaqiri, Lazar Markovic and Raheem Sterling would keep Premier League defenders up all night.

Glen Johnson

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

Fans clamoring for the end of Glen Johnson's time with the Reds can rejoice, the Daily Express' Anthony Chapman claims Italian giants Juventus are targeting the right-back for a January move.

Johnson's contract will run out at the end of this season, and though the England international had been in negotiations for a possible extension last season, he revealed those talks have died down:

"

There are no talks going on with the club at the moment. There were minor talks towards the end of the last season but nothing else.

I've loved playing my football here from day one, but obviously I can only talk to the club about it when they want to speak to me.

In January, I could [talk to other clubs], but I'll worry about that when January comes.

"

The 30-year-old is often singled out by fans for his lack of defensive cover and poor positioning, and with the likes of Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno joining the club during the summer, Johnson's time with Liverpool appears to be all but over.

Sergi Dominguez agrees:

Juventus have the personnel to play Antonio Conte's famed 3-5-2, but new manager Massimiliano Allegri has always been a fan of the 4-3-3 and currently lacks the full-backs for such a system to be effective.

Exactly how Johnson would fit into Juve's squad is anyone's guess, but with his popularity at Anfield at an all-time low, fans won't question the Italians' motivations and gladly part ways.

Martin Odegaard

The Reds are scouting Norwegian teen sensation Martin Odegaard ahead of a potential January transfer, according to reports in Scandinavia (h/t to Metro's Jamie Sanderson).

Odegaard's name got some recognition when he made his debut for Norway's senior side at just 15 year of age, but in scouting circles, he has been watched by virtually every top club in Europe for years.

As reported by Sanderson, Manchester United tried to sign the youngster on deadline day, but with the player reportedly a big Reds fan, Rodgers is reportedly contemplating a deal with his current club, Stromsgodset, in January.

Should a deal materialise, Odegaard would likely spend the first couple of seasons on loan with Stromsgodset or a lower-level British club. While undeniably talented, the Norwegian still has the body of a teenager, and he will take time to grow into the player he needs to become to make an impact for the Reds.

But he's already shining in a professional league surrounded by senior player at the age of 15 and delivered an excellent performance for Norway against the United Arab Emirates, which speak volumes about his potential.

Plenty of youngsters have been called "the next big thing" in the past, but like AC Milan's Hachim Mastour, Odegaard looks like a safe bet to develop into a top player before long.

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