Liverpool news: £86m transfer ‘approved’ as Arne Slot makes U-turn on star’s future

Liverpool talks continue over potential new arrivals in the January transfer window as Arne Slot’s side look to cement their position in the top four in the Premier League

Liverpool face Burnley at home in the Premier League on Saturday with two weeks remaining in the January transfer window.

The reigning Premier League champions sealed their first signing of this window last week, with Mor Talla Ndiaye joining the Reds’ U21s from Amitie FC in Senegal. The Merseyside club are also in discussions with Austria Vienna regarding another young centre-back, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, with a view to bringing him on board for the summer.

The Austrian youth international is only 17, but Liverpool are optimistic about finalising a deal that would see Ndukwe join them at Anfield for pre-season training, set to kick off in July. However, it’s moves in the here and now that are on the minds of Reds supporters – here’s all the latest news from Anfield.

Yan Diomande ‘update’

Last week, Yan Diomande expressed his dream of playing for Liverpool one day. The 19-year-old moved to RB Leipzig in the summer from La Liga outfit Leganes after they triggered his £17m release clause, reports the Mirror.

The Ivory Coast star said: “I want to play at Anfield, I want to play for Liverpool. I’m a big Liverpool fan. My father’s dream is to see me play for Liverpool.”

After making waves in the Bundesliga, Diomande is now being linked with a move away from the Red Bull Arena. Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have all been associated with the Ivory Coast international, who Leipzig reportedly value at £86m.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has now claimed Diomande will depart Leipzig in a high-profile deal as the club are ready to approve a sale, but no transfer will be approved until the summer window.

Liverpool ‘set Federico Chiesa price tag’

Liverpool have slapped a £17m price tag on Federico Chiesa as talks with Juventus rumble on.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.com, the Reds have fixed Chiesa’s valuation at £17m and will only entertain discussions over a permanent sale of the Italian winger.

The report suggests Juventus are pushing for a loan arrangement with an option to buy that would become obligatory under certain circumstances. Liverpool snapped up Chiesa from the Turin club in August 2024 for an initial £10m after former boss Thiago Motta deemed him surplus to requirements.

However, the Italy international has managed just 34 outings for the Merseyside outfit so far, netting four goals and providing four assists. Juventus gaffer Luciano Spalletti, who previously worked with Chiesa during his Italy tenure, recently dismissed such transfer talk regarding the Liverpool attacker.

“I am pleased you are giving me this news, seeing as we haven’t even had a meeting yet on the transfer market,” he commented, according to Football Italia. “But it’s the first I’ve heard of it. For the moment, it’s just thrown out there, but absolutely nothing concrete behind it.”

Calvin Ramsay ‘decision made’

Liverpool now have no plans to let right-back Calvin Ramsay depart on loan this month. The Daily Mail report Arne Slot is keen to retain the defender as additional cover following Conor Bradley’s knee setback.

Bradley has recently undergone surgery for a knee injury that has put an end to his season. The Northern Ireland international was stretchered off during the final moments of the Reds’ goalless match against Premier League leaders Arsenal last Thursday.

His recovery in time for this summer’s World Cup is uncertain, provided his country makes it through the play-offs. Meanwhile, Ramsay has yet to make an appearance in the Premier League for the Reds this season.

The Scot, 22, made his first appearance for Liverpool in three years in a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in October, but could now be set for more action in a red shirt.