Liverpool Transfer News: Alvaro Arbeloa Deal Tipped, Latest Fabian Delph Rumours

Liverpool are trying to bring Real Madrid full-back Alvaro Arbeloa back to the club, writes David Wright in the Daily Express.

Arbeloa made 98 appearances for Liverpool, per Soccerbase, after joining from Deportivo La Coruna in January 2007. He left the club for Real Madrid in the summer of 2009.

The report claims that Arbeloa, who was linked with Arsenal and Chelsea last summer, could return to Liverpool in January. With Glen Johnson out of contract at the end of the season, Liverpool could need a new right-back.

Arbeloa played at Anfield in October in Real’s 3-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League. Speaking about his return to the club, Arbeloa stated his affection for Liverpool.

“Once a Red, always a Red!” said Arbeloa, per James Carroll of Liverpool’s official website. “Not only for me, but for the majority of players that have played for Liverpool. You can feel that Liverpool lasts as part of your heart. I will always remember Liverpool and their fans.”

Arbeloa could be tempted by the chance to play regular first-team football again. He has started only four games in La Liga this season, per WhoScored.com, and is second choice to Dani Carvajal at Real.

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He may not be the only player to arrive at Anfield in the January transfer window, though. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is stepping up his interest in Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph as a replacement for Steven Gerrard, per James Nursey of the Daily Mirror.

Delph is out of contract at the end of the season and is unlikely to sign a new deal, per Jon Percy of The Telegraph. But Villa manager Paul Lambert doesn't want the England international to leave in January.

“Fabian has been great,” said Lambert, per Aaron Flanagan of the Daily Mirror. “Obviously him being suspended hasn't helped. Hopefully everything goes OK and he stays here. I wouldn't imagine him leaving in January that’s for sure.”

Delph's team-mate Andreas Weimann, meanwhile, is hoping Villa’s recent change of style will persuade him to stay.

“Everyone is enjoying the way we’re playing at the moment,” said Weimann, per Sky Sports. “We can keep going and keep improving.”

Nursey reports that, if Liverpool do sign Delph this month, then Lucas Leiva could join Napoli on loan.

Liverpool don’t look like they need to sign Delph in the January transfer window. However, getting him now would avoid a more likely battle with other clubs to sign him on a free transfer in the summer.

Villa would be reluctant sellers, but the potential signing of Carles Gil from Valencia, per the Birmingham Mail, could persuade them to accept some money for Delph now.