Liverpool Transfer News: William Carvalho Talks Reported, Latest Reds Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly in talks to sign Portugal international midfielder William Carvalho from Sporting CP. 

The highly rated Carvalho has three years remaining on his contract in Lisbon, but the Premier League side are keen to land the player in the January transfer window, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola (h/t Metro).

The report added representatives from the Anfield club had flown out for discussions with Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho over a move that could cost the Reds around £26 million.

Fast and strong in the tackle, it is Carvalho's reading of the game that is perhaps his most impressive attribute. He has a sharp positional awareness and a handy versatility that can see him switch successfully to a centre-back slot if required.

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At 6'1", his height and athletic ability also make him an imposing force in the centre of the park. Indeed, if Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp were to capture the nimble-footed Carvalho, he would have a player who could bring valuable bite to his midfield.

While in an attacking sense, Klopp's side have flourished this season, in defensive areas they have suffered problems, not least those seen during last weekend's 3-2 defeat to Swansea City at Anfield.

Carvalho would add a much more natural, defensive balance to the side.

While Georginio Wijnaldum has enjoyed some success after being converted to a more defensive player, his real strength lies in his ability to make late runs and get his name on the scoresheet.

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Signing Carvalho could free up the Dutchman and make Liverpool an even more irresistible offensive proposition.

The 24-year-old has long been a player touted for a big-money move away from Portugal. Among the many plaudits, he has been likened in style to Patrick Vieira, per Nuno Tavares of UEFA.com.

And should the Reds be able to prise Carvalho away from Sporting in January, it could provide a key element in their attempts to eat into the lead of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.