Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Glen Johnson and Fabio Borini

Glen Johnson is reportedly set to be targeted by Serie A clubs Napoli and Juventus in the January transfer window as the right-back's contract with Liverpool draws to a close.

The England international has less than 12 months left on his current deal, and John Cross of The Mirror reports that the Italian champions are eager to snap him up in the new year for a cut price:

"Juventus are targeting a January move for Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson. England international Johnson is on course to become a free agent at the end of the season but Juve believe they may be able to do a cut-price deal with the Reds and sign him in the next window."

Johnson has fallen down the pecking order recently behind Javier Manquillo and Jon Flanagan, but he may also be offered a way out by former Reds boss Rafa Benitez, who is reportedly keen on bringing the 30-year-old to Napoli, per Anthony Chapman in the Daily Express.

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While Johnson has previously expressed his willingness to stay on at Anfield, it seems that a new contract is not forthcoming, and he looks likely to be on his way out, per Chapman's report:

"

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.

"

Liverpool were notably weak in defence last season, especially in the right-back position, per football journalist Sergi Dominguez, and having now strengthened their back line, they would do well to cash in on Johnson before he leaves for free next summer:

While Johnson may soon be on his way out of Merseyside, Fabio Borini insists that continuing his career at Anfield was always his plan.

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The Italian striker was the subject of much speculation during the transfer window, with QPR and Sunderland both eager to sign the 23-year-old, but both clubs were unwilling to match Borini's wage demands, per BBC Radio 5 live:

However, the former Chelsea player has now insisted he always intended to stay at Liverpool, per GianlucaDiMarzio.com (h/t Sky Sports' Nadia Carminati):

"

This summer there has been many rumours. My wish is to play in a top club and Liverpool are a top club so there have never been any real problems. I know my aims and how I can achieve them. Staying at Liverpool is one of them. I'm in a big side who try to win each competition. And that is where I want to be. I stayed because I think I am able to play here.

"

Indeed, on the closure of the transfer window last week, Borini tweeted his satisfaction after a rumour-fuelled summer:

But, with the likes of Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Daniel Sturridge all seemingly ahead of him for starting spots, BBC Sport's Phil McNulty believes Borini may have been foolish in turning down potential moves:

It certainly seems unlikely that he will get a great deal of playing time with Sturridge having performed so well last season—scoring 21 league goals—and Lambert and Balotelli having just been brought in by boss Brendan Rodgers.

However, Borini seems confident that he can nail down a spot in the team and, with Liverpool's involvement in the Champions League this season, Rodgers will need to rotate his squad.

It would be unsurprising to see Borini shipped out in the January transfer window, though, as he does seem surplus to requirements and Liverpool were clearly eager to be rid of him in the summer.