Liverpool transfer news: Reds want to sign defender 'now' as exit confirmed

Liverpool have just days to action any final transfer plans for the January window as the club remain stretched by defensive injury issues following Jeremie Frimpong's latest problem

Just days remain of the transfer window and Liverpool are yet to make their move. The Reds are stretched and saw their backline hit once again when Jeremie Frimpong was ruled out with injury.

Arne Slot remains composed and made it clear that the club are not reactive to every new issue and have a long-term plan in place, however. The Dutchman appeared to suggest new signings were not imminent but did not rule out a move.

"We as a club always make decisions that we, at least, think [are] smart decisions," he said. "So, we not only look at the short term, we also look at the long term, longer term – that's why we sign young players as well, very good players but young ones that can still develop. Now we can see this development with a few.

"And it always depends on are there players available that we think can help us? And if they are, can we afford them? And does this also be helpful for the longer-term future because our players come back from injury as well?

"I just said we don't have a squad where we have four right-backs and 12 midfielders and three or four No.9s – that's not how it works over here. So, we have to do the smart things for the near future but also for the longer future."

READ MORE : Jurgen Klopp's wife has shown her true colours as his Liverpool dugout return announcedREAD MORE : Arne Slot drops Liverpool transfer hint after Jeremie Frimpong injury

With that said, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Anfield.

Liverpool want signing 'now'

Liverpool face some stiff competition to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes. The 20-year-old is a wanted man with Chelsea said to be leading the race and Bayern Munich also interested in the young Frenchman.

It could be Rennes who offer a significant stumbling block, however. Chelsea and Liverpool are both keen to sign the player 'now', according to reports, but the Ligue 1 club prefer a summer deal.

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Exit confirmed

Reading have signed young midfielder Scofield Lonmeni from Liverpool. The 18-year-old has signed his first professional contract with the Royals, having featured for the Reds' under-18s last season as a deep-lying midfielder.

Lonmeni joins Reading on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee. The teenager will initially link up with the League One side's youth team.

The ex-Liverpool academy ace spent time with Reading on a work experience agreement, featuring regularly as Reading progressed to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.

Liverpool got it 'horribly wrong'

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Liverpool messed up with their summer transfer business. The Reds made two record signings and spent more than £400million ahead of the season but it has yet to pay off.

"With all the money Liverpool have spent, the squad looks wafer-thin," Merson told Sky Sports. "Looking at it now, they got it horribly wrong in the summer.

"By going bang, bang with a load of attackers and thinking they were going to dominate English football for the next four or five years, it's backfired."

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