Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Inaki Williams and Dennis Praet Rumours

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reportedly urged the Reds hierarchy to sign Athletic Bilbao's Inaki Williams, per Simone Lorini of Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web (h/t Metro's George Bellshaw). Lorini notes the German is hoping his club will give the green light on activating his £15.2 million release clause.

Football journalist Rafael Hernandez highlighted the 21-year-old's form at the back end of last season:

With 10 goals and three assists to his name in all competitions this year, the winger has firmly maintained his impressive run of performances. Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez believes the youngster is constantly improving:

With his importance to Athletic increasing all the time, Williams is taking on more and more responsibility for Los Leones, per Bleacher Report's own Sam Tighe:

The Spaniard is a pacey and dynamic winger who could add some much-needed width to Liverpool's side, as they have few players for whom stretching the play on the flanks comes naturally.

His excellent goal tally demonstrates he also possesses a clinical finish—one that would be a huge benefit for a side that has so regularly failed to take its chances this season.

Further, the youngster's athleticism and refreshing desire to track back and help out defensively makes him an all-round excellent candidate to add real quality and resilience to the Reds.

While he may not yet be the entirely finished article, Williams is well on his way to becoming a genuine star, and with further polishing from Klopp, he could really thrive at Anfield.

Another young star linked with a switch to Merseyside is Anderlecht midfielder Dennis Praet.

According to Tuttosport (h/t the Mirror's Joe Mewis), the Reds were targeting a move for the Belgian in the summer, but Klopp has decided to "fast-track" the move in order to provide an immediate boost to his squad.

JOHN THYS/Getty Images

The 21-year-old was awarded the 2014 Belgian Golden Shoe and has enjoyed a solid season thus far with Anderlecht, scoring four goals and assisting six.

Despite his tender age, he has already racked up 18 appearances in the Champions League and a further five in the Europa League, which could prove useful if Liverpool return to Europe again next season.

The Reds already possess the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, though, so there's less room for a more central attacking midfielder than there is out wide.

That said, Praet has performed competently on the wing in the past, so although he's not a natural, he could be a useful acquisition if Liverpool are unable to prise Williams away from the Basque Country.