Liverpool are reportedly preparing for a busy January transfer window, with Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch emerging as a key target and Chelsea reportedly overtaking the Reds in the race for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.
The Reds have recovered from a difficult start under Andoni Iraola, with two wins in their last three Premier League matches lifting them to fifth. Liverpool host Brighton at Anfield on Sunday as they look to build on that improvement.
Klopp-backed Jeltsch targeted
Stuttgart's Finn Jeltsch, a 20-year-old centre-back, is reportedly being targeted for a 2027 transfer. Jeltsch, who moved to Stuttgart from Nurnberg last year, has established himself in the Bundesliga and received his maiden senior Germany call-up under Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp, though he did not make his full international debut during the most recent break.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are reportedly keeping close tabs on his progress. Catalan newspaper Sport reported this week that Real and Liverpool are prepared to pay £42m for Jeltsch, a considerable profit on the £7m or so Stuttgart paid in February 2025.
Following the signing of countryman Karim Adeyemi this past summer, Hansi Flick is reportedly spearheading efforts to bring another German prospect to Barcelona. Liverpool have already bolstered their defensive ranks with young talents Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, viewed as potential successors to Virgil van Dijk when he departs Anfield.
That transition is anticipated to occur next summer when the Dutchman's contract runs out, although there remains a possibility he could sign a short-term extension. Joe Gomez's deal is also set to expire next summer, heightening the urgency for new defensive talent.
Liverpool lose pace in Scott chase
Liverpool's hopes of signing Alex Scott appear to be fading as January approaches, following a report from Fabrizio Romano indicating Chelsea have overtaken the Reds in the race to land the Bournemouth star.
Scott has been identified as a potential target as Liverpool shift focus towards strengthening midfield, an area not prioritised during the summer window but widely expected to change come 2027. Dominik Szoboszlai is tied down for the long term after signing a new contract, while Alexis Mac Allister's future is subject to debate amid outside interest. Wataru Endo is set to leave on a free next summer, and Trey Nyoni is still gaining first-team experience.
According to Romano, Chelsea are in talks with Scott's entourage regarding a move to Stamford Bridge. TEAMtalk suggested Bournemouth would be willing to sell their playmaker for £100m, having previously insisted he wasn't for sale. That stance now appears to have shifted after Scott turned down a contract offer to become the highest-paid player in the club's history. With just over 18 months remaining on his current deal, Bournemouth are under increasing pressure to settle on the right fee sooner rather than later.
