Liverpool Transfer News: Jamie Vardy Warning, Latest on Ilkay Gundogan Rumours

Leicester City coach Claudio Ranieri has warned off Jamie Vardy's potential suitors, including Liverpool, proclaiming "not many clubs" can afford the England international as the player proves to be the hottest striker in the Premier League. 

The Leicester Mercury quoted the Italian boss saying he does not want to sell the attacker after his magnificent start to the new season, which has helped propel the Foxes to fifth in the table:

"

It is important he enjoys it here after that I can understand if he wants to go and find some great club. But he costs a lot

If Real Madrid or some big names want to buy him, they have the money to buy him. But not many teams can buy him now.

He is very happy here. We do not want to sell him. That is clear.

"

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The Sun (h/t Leicester Mercury) claimed Liverpool are preparing an £8 million move for the prolific front man, who became only the eighth player to score in seven consecutive Premier League games after his winning goal against Crystal Palace on Saturday. 

Tom Hopkinson of the Sunday People said Tottenham Hotspur want to gatecrash the Reds' attempt to land the striker, as Vardy fits the profile boss Mauricio Pochettino currently desires.

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He wants an attacker who can press high up the pitch, and provide his attack with more energy. Vardy is a solid fit, offering the side a foil to the skill set of Harry Kane. 

New Reds coach Jurgen Klopp is looking to find goals from outside his squad, with Vardy being an affordable option in January. 

However, sports writer Jonas Giaever laughed at suggestions the player should be linked to Europe's elite:

It is worth noting the No. 9 was less valuable last season, scoring just five times in 36 Premier League outings, according to WhoScored.com.

This makes him a less credible acquisition, despite his tremendous return at the start of the season. 

Liverpool have looked goal shy since Klopp's arrival, but with Daniel Sturridge to come back from injury, and new signing Christian Benteke scoring against Southampton, the Anfield club may look towards purchasing a world-class No. 10 to supplement their strike force.

Vardy has performed wonders since Ranieri took the reins at the King Power, but he could struggle to make the step up at a club under intense pressure, such as Liverpool. 

Klopp Considers Gundogan

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Klopp is considering raiding last club, Borussia Dortmund, for the services of former midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo stated the new Anfield boss wants to be reunited with the German international, but Gundogan recently denied any potential move away from the Westfalenstadion: “About my future? I currently have no idea. This is very, very far away."

Gundogan suffered a career-threatening injury while playing for Klopp, but he is once again a regular member of Dortmund's team, appearing 10 times in the Bundesliga this year, per Whoscored.

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Klopp now understands the task at hand after failing to grab an early win during his short tenure in charge.

The manager needs to recruit from a talent pool much larger than former coach Brendan Rodgers did, bringing in world-class options to boost their standing. 

Gundogan has the craft to dictate Liverpool's midfield, and at 25 years old, he will further develop under Klopp's tutelage. 

However, Vardy doesn't appear to fit the quality the Reds truly need. The Leicester player is in the best shape of his life, but Liverpool need to shop for more illustrious talent.