Saturday's Liverpool transfer talk news roundup: Kylian Mbappe, Ibrahima Konate, Yves Bissouma

The January transfer window is now open, with Liverpool continuing to be linked with a host of big names.

Jurgen Klopp has been forced to contend with a crippling injury crisis during the first half of the season, leading to speculation that the Premier League champions could move for a new defender this month.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings from Anfield.

Saturday morning's Liverpool transfer talk news roundup:

Manchester United, Liverpool 'interested in Ibrahima Konate'

© Reuters

Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly both interested in signing RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate during this summer's transfer window.

The Premier League duo have recently been tipped to go head to head for the signature of Dayot Upamecano ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

However, according to Bild, the English pair are also both interested in Upamecano's Leipzig teammate Konate, who has a release clause of €40m (£35m) in his current deal.

Journalist Christian Falk has also claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are keeping a close eye on the situation, with the London club thought to be keen to improve their defence this summer.

Konate has only made six Bundesliga appearances during the current season, having struggled with injury.

The 21-year-old played in all six of Leipzig's Champions League group-stage matches, though, helping the German side qualify for the last-16 stage of the competition at United's expense.

Liverpool 'identify two potential Georginio Wijnaldum replacements'

© Reuters

Liverpool reportedly view Brighton & Hove Albion's Yves Bissouma and Lille's Renato Sanches as possible replacements for Georginio Wijnaldum, should the Dutchman move on this summer.

Wijnaldum has still not signed a new contract with the Reds, meaning that he could leave the Premier League champions on a free transfer at the end of June.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, speaking to Anfield Watch, Jurgen Klopp's side have identified two potential replacements for the Netherlands international in the shape of Bissouma and Sanches.

Manchester United and Arsenal are also thought to be keen on the Brighton midfielder, who has scored twice in 20 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls during the 2020-21 campaign.

Sanches, meanwhile, spent the 2017-18 campaign on loan with Swansea City in the Premier League, but the Portugal international struggled to make his mark for the Welsh club.

The 23-year-old has rediscovered his form at Lille, though, contributing one goal in 12 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit during the current season.

Romano claims that Sanches could be allowed to leave for a reasonable price due to his team's financial problems, and Liverpool are set to make a final decision in April.

More transfer news from Liverpool:

Jurgen Klopp: 'New Liverpool signings have to be the right players'
Jurgen Klopp suggests that Liverpool will only sign new players during the January transfer window if they will strengthen the starting lineup. Read more.

Jurgen Klopp, Fabinho 'pressing Kylian Mbappe to join Liverpool'
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Fabinho are reportedly both 'pressing' Kylian Mbappe to move to Anfield. Read more.

Liverpool 'planning loan move for Aaron Long'
Liverpool will attempt to sign USA international Aaron Long on loan before the transfer window closes, according to a report. Read more.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino dismisses Kylian Mbappe exit talk
Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino says that Kylian Mbappe remains happy with life at Parc des Princes, despite speculation regarding an exit in the summer. Read more.