Liverpool try to complete striker deal before window closes

Liverpool could send one of their brightest stars out on loan in the closing days of the January transfer window but Reds chiefs need to be aware before they allow a deal to go through

Liverpool are in talks with Porto regarding a loan deal for academy wonderkid Keyrol Figueroa. The 19-year-old has shone for Liverpool's youth sides over recent seasons and could be about to get his first taste of senior football.

According to reports in Portugal, Liverpool and Porto are in dialogue over a loan deal until the end of the season. The latter are keen to add more attacking options to their side following an injury to Luuk de Jong.

Porto currently sit top of the Liga Portugal, having won 18 out of their opening 19 league games of the season under Francesco Farioli. They could also book themselves a spot in the Europa League knockouts if they beat Rangers on Thursday evening.

While a loan would certainly benefit Figueroa, there is one major problem that Liverpool must overcome first. The youngster is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning they will likely have to agree a new deal with him before they agree to any permanent exit.

Figueroa has made 13 appearances for Liverpool’s under-21 side this season, netting ten goals, while he has also appeared in the UEFA Youth League.

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Speaking after a 2-1 Premier League 2 win against Leeds, under-21 boss Rob Page said: “I've got a lot of time for Figgy.

“He's a great lad to work with, he takes on board what you ask of him and when the ball comes into the box, there is a strong chance that he will be on the end of it. I'm really pleased for him – he deserves it. He works hard during the week and I think he's now the top scorer in the division.”

A number of academy stars have already made an impression on the Liverpool first team this season, with Rio Ngumoha and Trey Noni both among those on the verge of a breakthrough.

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However, their minutes have dwindled recently, with Liverpool struggling as they aim to defend the Premier League title. The Reds are next back in action on Wednesday evening as they take on Qarabag in their final Champions League group stage fixture.

Asked about his side’s issues, boss Arne Slot said: “I think it's going to be really difficult to quieten the outside noise with the position we are in in the league. Even if we win a few games, every loss or every disappointing result will start the noise coming back again.

“That's what you expect if you started the season as we did, not started but at a certain moment with so many losses. But it's impossible to shut down the noise at a club like this if you are not competing for the league. What we have to improve, for me it's so simple.”