Liverpool supporters in the Transfer Tavern are eagerly anticipating their side’s trip to Stoke City this evening after seeing the Reds embark on a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions, dating back to their 4-1 mauling at Tottenham on October 22.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have since being thumped at Wembley won four and drawn two of their subsequent matches, although those two draws have indeed come in their last two outings. The Merseyside giants let slip a three-goal lead to only draw 3-3 with Sevilla in the Champions League last week, while a Willian strike five minutes from time secured a 1-1 draw for Antonio Conte’s Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday, a result which saw Klopp’s side slip out of the Premier League’s top four.
Nonetheless, many Liverpudlians are looking forward to their side’s clash with Mark Hughes’ Stoke this evening, yet speculation continues to build about who the Reds may seek to sign in January, and a recent report from A Bola (via talkSPORT) is likely to unnerve our resident Liverpool fans.
And that’s because they report that Serie A heavyweights Juventus have joined Klopp’s men in pursuit of Sporting Lisbon attacker Gelson Martins, scorer of six goals in just 20 appearances for the Portuguese heavyweights so far this term.
The 22-year-old came up through the ranks at the Estadio Jose Alvalade to earn his senior debut for the club back in 2015, from which he has since added a further 107 appearances, bagging 20 goals and laying on 24 assists in the process.
And Liverpool were reportedly keeping tabs on the Portugal international over the summer yet no deal materialised, and they may have suffered a blow in their quest to land him in January as well as reports suggest that Juventus, currently third in Serie A, are also monitoring the tricky winger.
Thus, more impressive displays from Martins could see the Old Lady firm up their interest in the New Year, which could spell problems for Liverpool chief Klopp and the club’s hierarchy.
Landlord’s verdict: Sporting Lisbon’s Gelson Martins appeared to catch the eye of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp last term with six goals and 14 assists in the Primiera Liga, although the Reds weren’t willing to match his hefty release clause over the summer.
Yet the Merseyside giants have continued to monitor the 22-year-old’s progress, and they are sure to be pleased as he has managed six goals and six assists for Sporting so far this term, helping them to second place in the Portuguese top-flight.
But his fine form has also reportedly attracted the interest of Juventus, whom Martins has twice played this term in the Champions League, and their competition could pose a few problems for Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window.
Yet if the Reds were able to lure the wing wizard to Anfield in January ahead of Turin, it’d be a huge statement of intent from the Merseysiders ahead of the remainder of the campaign.
Liverpool fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know!
