Liverpool transfer: Reds enter battle for 'new Varane', Klopp sent title warning

Liverpool are yet to make a new signing in the January transfer window, but the Reds could be tempted to do some business to bolster their Premier League title bid.

Jurgen Klopp's side are currently top of the league, with just two points separating them from defending champions Manchester City and Unai Emery's Aston Villa. Liverpool have made some big January signings in recent years, bringing in Cody Gakpo last year and Luis Diaz the year before.

And they could be tempted to dip into the market again this month as they look to win a 20th league title. With that in mind, here are the latest rumours from Anfield.

Liverpool eye 'new Varane'

According to Telefoot, Liverpool have entered the race to 18-year-old Lille defender Leny Yoro who has earned comparisons to Manchester United star Raphael Varane.

The report states that both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have a long-held interested in Yoro, but Liverpool are now rivalling them for his signature. It also adds that Yoro could become the most expensive Ligue 1 defender ever.

The current record is held by Benjamin Mendy, who was sold to Manchester City by AS Monaco in 2017 for a fee of around £52million.

Klopp sent title warning

Liverpool have been warned that the return of Kevin De Bruyne from a hamstring injury does not bode well for their title bid, with City star Rodri claiming "everything is easy" now the Belgian is back in action.

"Of course, when you miss this kind of player, who makes the difference, you never know," Rodri said. "There's games where we were the better team in my opinion, but we didn't have this extra talent to score or call it whatever you want.

"But with Kevin, everything is easy. This is the reality, we need him. All of these years, we need him now. He's gonna be so important for the next month and beyond. I told him that his season starts now and it's going to be key for us. We saw again at Newcastle, he is one of the best."

Al-Ettifaq's Henderson stance

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is keen on a return to Europe just six months after he left Anfield to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

The likes of Ajax and Juventus are interested in the midfielder's services, but the Daily Mail are now reporting that Al-Ettifaq do not want to sell. As a result, it is claimed Henderson is now set to remain Saudi Arabia for the rest of the season.

Ajax boss John van 't Schip told ESPN earlier this month that he was hopeful the club could complete a move for Henderson. "There is serious talk going on with Henderson," he said. "He still has some things to arrange in Saudi Arabia. It could be a nice match."