Liverpool Transfer News: Divock Origi January Deal Off, New Teddy Bishop Rumours

Belgian starlet Divock Origi will not be rejoining Liverpool during the January transfer window after all, despite recent rumours indicating all elements were in store for a swift recall.

The Times' Tony Barrett reports manager Brendan Rodgers has decided to put his faith in the options currently available:

The Daily Star's Jack Wilson elaborated on the reports, noting current club Lille were reluctant to part with their star forward ahead of schedule:

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The Reds splashed out £10m to sign the 19-year-old Belgium frontman in the summer before loaning him back to Lille under terms of the deal.

But discussions have been taking place since before the transfer window opened over bringing Origi to the club in January.

[...]The Reds were open to paying a premium to land Origi and despite Lille's initial reluctance, Anfield chiefs were still hopeful of striking a deal.

But now they have called off a move with Rodgers content to go with what he's got.

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Rodgers later told talkSPORT there were talks to bring Origi to Anfield in January, but the youngster is staying in France for now, per the club's official website's Chris Shaw:

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That was the original deal. There were a few discussions in January between the clubs, but it was merely to see where it was at in terms of Divock. But the likelihood is that he will stay at Lille.

He is a really exciting young talent - you saw him at the World Cup. He has got everything suited for the Premier League; he is fast, got great feet, is tactically very good and works very hard.

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Origi has scored just four goals in 26 appearances for the French club, according to Wilson, and while the Reds' forwards have struggled converting chances in the 2014-15 campaign, many wondered whether the Belgium international would be able to help in that department.

Despite those concerns, it seemed likely Liverpool would recall the talented youngster in January. As Andy Brassell told Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey, all signs appeared to be pointing in that direction:

Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini have found the net for the Reds in recent weeks, while Daniel Sturridge is inching ever closer to full health. As shared by MailOnline Sport, the England international is back in training:

A healthy Sturridge is expected to lead the attack for the Reds, and while Mario Balotelli is yet to find his shooting boots, Rodgers will want to see what the Italian can do partnered with the star striker.

Tony Marshall/Getty Images

As such, it makes sense to let the 19-year-old Origi develop at Lille for another six months. The talented forward doesn't appear ready to make a real impact for the Reds just yet—there's no reason to rush him into the senior squad right away.

The Reds are reportedly in pole position to sign another highly rated youngster, with the Daily Mirror's Adrian Kajumba claiming Rodgers is ready to move for 18-year-old Teddy Bishop, Ipswich Town's star midfielder:

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Liverpool are in pole position to land Ipswich starlet Teddy Bishop.

Midfielder Bishop, 18, is on the radar of the Premier League’s big guns after breaking into the Ipswich side this season, making 18 appearances for Mick McCarthy’s automatic promotion hopefuls.

And Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is determined to win the race for the £10m-rated teen.

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Ipswich have made it clear they have no intention of selling the teenager in January, per Kajumba, but a summer move seems very likely, with the Reds now rumoured to be leading the chase.

The Tractor Boys are enjoying an excellent season in the Championship, and Bishop has been at the very heart of their fine run of results, along with fellow transfer target Tyrone Mings.

A deep-lying midfielder, Bishop certainly looks like a future Premier League star. Combining excellent passing ability with superb vision, he drew a ton of praise from former Ipswich star Mick Mills in a recent interview with BBC Radio Suffolk (h/t Daily Mirror's Alex Richards):

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He's like a quarterback.

He's so young to be doing that sort of thing. I remember playing with Ray (Wilkins) and that is all he would do - never going beyond the ball but always supporting.

Teddy has got this art of setting himself up behind where the play is and he's doing it very well. If he continues to do it he will be a very useful player.

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There's a reason Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are reportedly all looking at the youngster, via Kajumba—while he may not be a household name yet, he is widely expected to blossom into a veritable star in a couple of years.

Valued at £10 million, Bishop won't be coming cheap for an 18-year-old with limited experience, but given his tremendous potential, Reds fans should be happy to know their club are leading the race for his signature.

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