A look at some of the latest Liverpool headlines that indicate it could be a very active transfer window come January

Liverpool have begun to recover from a difficult start under Andoni Iraola, with two wins in their last three Premier League matches lifting them to fifth. The Reds host an in-form Brighton side at Anfield on Sunday as they look to build on that improvement.

Bradley Barcola, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have helped ease concerns with encouraging displays of late. Behind the scenes, the Reds are continuing to assess potential recruits as they plan for more transfer business in 2027.

With January approaching, the latest transfer reports offer mixed news for Liverpool. The ECHO complies all the latest headlines as Liverpool brace for what could be a busy winter period.

Klopp-backed Jeltsch targeted

One name Liverpool supporters may soon become familiar with is Stuttgart's Finn Jeltsch. The 20-year-old centre-back is being targeted for a 2027 transfer, though the Reds face stiff competition in the pursuit of his signature.

Jeltsch, who moved to Stuttgart from Nurnberg last year, has seen his reputation soar considerably in recent months. Having established himself as a formidable Bundesliga presence despite his tender age, the youngster was also rewarded with his maiden senior Germany call-up under Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp.

Although he didn't make his full international debut during the most recent break, it speaks volumes about the potential Klopp recognises in him. With that in mind, it comes as little surprise the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are reportedly keeping close tabs on his progress.

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Catalan newspaper Sport reported this week that Real and Liverpool are prepared to pay £42m for Jeltsch. That represents a considerable profit on the £7m or so Stuttgart paid to acquire his services in February 2025.

Following the signing of countryman Karim Adeyemi this past summer, Hansi Flick is reportedly spearheading efforts to bring another German prospect to Barca. Liverpool have already bolstered their defensive ranks with young talents Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, who are viewed as potential successors to Virgil van Dijk when he departs Anfield.

That transition is anticipated to occur next summer when the Dutchman's contract runs out, although there remains a possibility he could sign a short-term extension. Joe Gomez's deal is also set to expire next summer, heightening the urgency for new defensive talent to come through in that area.

Liverpool lose pace in Scott chase

If Iraola had been harbouring hopes of linking up with Alex Scott at Liverpool, those prospects appear to be fading as January approaches. That follows a report from Fabrizio Romano indicating Chelsea have overtaken the Reds in the race to land the Bournemouth star.

Scott has been identified as a potential target for Liverpool as they shift their focus towards strengthening midfield. That area of the pitch was not a priority during the summer window, though that is widely expected to change come 2027.

Dominik Szoboszlai is tied down for the long term after signing a new contract, though Alexis Mac Allister's future is subject to debate amid outside interest. Wataru Endo is also set to leave on a free next summer, while Trey Nyoni is still gaining first-team experience.

According to Romano, Chelsea are in talks with Scott's entourage regarding a move to Stamford Bridge in the foreseeable future. TEAMtalk suggested Bournemouth would be willing to sell their playmaker for £100million, having previously insisted he wasn't for sale.

That now appears to have shifted after Scott turned down a contract offer to become the highest-paid player in the club's history. With just over 18 months remaining on his current deal, Bournemouth are under increasing pressure to settle on the right fee sooner rather than later.