Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours and Players Targeted by Jurgen Klopp

Reported Liverpool target Alexandre Pato could be off to Serie A in January according to his agent, despite rumours linking the Brazilian with a Premier League move.

As noted by ESPN FC, the Reds, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are among the teams to have been linked with a move for the forward, who is currently on loan at Sao Paolo from Corinthians. However, according to Pato’s representative, Riccardo Napolitano, there are plenty of potential suitors, per Calciomercato (h/t ESPN FC):

"

Alexandre is back and determined to establish himself as one of the best strikers in the world. We're evaluating several options for him, he's a striker admired by many, and he's completely overcome the muscular problems he suffered in the past few years.

In Italy there are at least two or three teams among the possible destinations, but of course we can't say any more. The only thing that is certain is that Pato will be the undoubted star of the winter transfer market.

"

Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Corinthians president Roberto de Andrade had previously claimed there was an “agreement in principle” for the Reds to sign Pato in the upcoming mid-season window, although those suggestions were later denied, per SporTV (h/t ESPN FC). However, it seems clear there are plenty of interested parties when it comes to the Brazilian.

Here’s a look at why, as Pato has enjoyed one of his best seasons in years during his loan spell with Sao Paolo:

It’s easy to see why moving back to Serie A would appeal to the forward. Having flopped at Milan and decided to head back to Brazil, there is definitely something for Pato to prove in the Italian top flight. In addition, his time with the Rossoneri means he’ll be well-acquainted with the style of football and culture of the country.

However, the prospect of a transfer to English football would surely represent an intriguing challenge for the Brazilian. The BrazilStats Twitter account thinks working under Klopp would be good for Pato’s development, too:

"

Firmino did more in 3 games under Klopp than he'd have done in 3 seasons under Rodgers, prolly. If Klopp asked to have Pato, I'm reassured.

— #FechadoComASeleção (@BrazilStats) November 7, 2015"

The Reds aren’t in desperate need of options up front, with Christian Benteke, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi all currently battling for places and Danny Ings on the mend after his anterior cruciate ligament injury. So while Pato would be a shrewd mid-season acquisition, you suspect Klopp will have more pertinent concerns to address before he looks to sign another striker.

Xabi Alonso Eyed

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

According to talkSPORT (h/t Aaron Flanagan of the Daily Mirror), Liverpool are looking to bring Xabi Alonso back to the club on a free transfer, with his contract set to expire with Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

Flanagan writes that the 34-year-old midfielder doesn’t look likely to extend his stay with the German champions, prompting interest from his former employers. It’s suggested Alonso wants a new three-year deal with Bayern, although the Bundesliga side are not willing to offer a contract quite so long.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

However, it’s also relayed Real Madrid are also considering a reunion with Alonso, with Rafael Benitez, the man who signed him for Liverpool, currently at the helm of the Liga side. Here’s a look at some of Alonso’s finest moments for Bayern since joining in the summer of 2014:

Although he’s ageing and doesn’t get about the pitch quite as well as he used to, Alonso is the kind of player who would be able to play on for a few more years yet. His game is all about technical talent and sharp cerebral instincts, plus, if you can get legs around him in the team, he has the passing ability to totally dictate a game.

Indeed, as we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, if anything Alonso’s influence on matches is growing as he gets older:

Bayern manager Pep Guardiola will not want to see the Spaniard depart. He’s a player who remains key to the style of football the team plays and someone who has taken the German side on to new heights since signing.

If he is seeking to move elsewhere, then Liverpool fans would love to see Alonso back at Anfield. He was a hugely popular figure during his stint with the club and still has the quality to thrive in the Premier League.

Should Klopp steer the Reds to Champions League qualification this season, then they’d be in a much better position to lure back their former playmaker.