Liverpool are reportedly preparing for a busy January transfer window, with talks scheduled over the potential early return of Ifeanyi Ndukwe and scouts monitoring Valencia teenager David Otorbi.
The Reds have won three successive matches for the first time under Andoni Iraola, but attention is already turning to the winter market. Reports suggest further changes to the squad could be on the way, with one alleged target potentially addressing a problem area the club failed to reinforce over the summer.
Ndukwe loan recall talks scheduled
Ifeanyi Ndukwe's representatives are reportedly due to hold discussions with Liverpool about cutting short his loan spell at Levante. Sky Sports Austria reported the Reds will hold talks with the player's agents this weekend.
The 18-year-old was sent out on loan following an impressive pre-season because he was unable to secure a UK work permit, with Liverpool having already exhausted their quota of non-eligible players. He has since impressed in La Liga, becoming an increasingly integral part of Levante's starting line-up.
Having shone in Spain, Ndukwe has accumulated sufficient points to obtain the necessary work permit and is now eligible to play in England. Defence remains a cause for concern under Iraola, and an additional option at centre-back would not be unwelcome, particularly given the impression loanee Ronald Araujo has made on the right side of the defence.
Glowing reviews from Spain indicate Ndukwe may soon be ready to move on from Levante, who will be reluctant to lose the player. Liverpool could pull off a masterstroke, having had the foresight to include a recall clause in his contract, which could be activated this winter.
Liverpool ramp up interest in £50m teen
Liverpool are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Valencia winger David Otorbi and have dispatched scouts to monitor the teenager. Their interest arrives amid suggestions the 19-year-old will shortly see his valuation double following an impressive campaign thus far.
Otorbi committed to a two-year deal back in April, which included a £25million release clause alongside the provision for a further three-year extension. Reports in Spain (via Sport Witness) now indicate Valencia are close to activating that clause, a move that would also see the forward's release clause rise to £50m.
It would mean Valencia will hold the negotiating power to demand the full fee for his signature. Although Rio Ngumoha has begun to demonstrate exceptional promise as Liverpool's emerging talent on the right wing, additional competition for the position would not go amiss.
Liverpool have had scouts present at Valencia fixtures to keep tabs on Harvey Elliott's progress during his loan spell. However, they may well have spotted another impressive prospect in the process, one Valencia appear determined to keep away from prying eyes for now.
As part of monitoring Elliott, Liverpool are also reported to have held talks with Valencia manager Javier Aguirre and sporting director Braulio Vazquez to discuss the situation. Nevertheless, it is conceivable conversations have also taken place regarding Otorbi's future and whether there is a future role for him at Anfield.
