Liverpool could reportedly address one of their issues by bringing in a familiar face in the January transfer window, with a potential return pathway emerging for Trent Alexander-Arnold and a price tag set for a priority target.
Path clearing for Trent's return?
Real Madrid's rumoured pursuit of Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro could pave the way for Alexander-Arnold's departure and a potential return to Anfield. The England international has featured from the start in only three of Madrid's eight league matches this season, with Jose Mourinho showing preference for summer signing Denzel Dumfries on the right side of the defence.
According to SER Deportivos, the La Liga heavyweights had previously pursued Porro before the Spaniard penned fresh terms at Spurs, prompting them to sign the Dutch international from Inter Milan instead. Porro - who featured in Spain's World Cup-winning squad this past summer - is said to be seeking clarity over whether Madrid's interest in him persists, given Barcelona are believed to have made enquiries about securing his signature.
Should the 15-time European champions complete a deal for Porro, it could open the door for Alexander-Arnold to depart the club and secure a remarkable return to his boyhood side. The Reds have found it difficult to adequately replace their former vice-captain, with Conor Bradley sidelined by injury and Jeremie Frimpong struggling to make his mark following his £30m transfer last year.
Alex Scott £100m price tag
Andoni Iraola has yet to determine a consistent midfield trio at Liverpool, but could now have chance to reunite with Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. The England international was of interest to the Reds, Chelsea and Manchester United during the summer window, but the Cherries remained resolute in their determination to retain the 23-year-old.
Nevertheless, the Premier League outfit have softened their position on Scott following talks with his representatives, with a departure now possible in January if a club comes forward with an offer of £100m. Iraola was Bournemouth's manager when Scott arrived at the club in 2023, with the player making 89 appearances under the Spanish coach.
According to BBC Sport, the Reds are understood to be in pole position despite fierce competition for the midfielder. Scott faces a spell on the sidelines until November following a thigh injury he exacerbated while representing the Three Lions in their 7-0 victory over Croatia earlier this month.
