Liverpool can use secret Virgil van Dijk transfer weapon to hijack Ruben Amorim Man United move

Liverpool can use secret Virgil van Dijk transfer weapon to hijack Ruben Amorim Man United move

Liverpool could delve into their most used player agents to land January transfer deals after the window opened.

The agency representing Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, ROOF, also represent Ousmane Diomande. (Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images )

The January transfer window is now officially open with Liverpool likely to be linked with a host of targets across England and Europe throughout the next 31 days. Arne Slot's in-tray will have varying priorities but the main issue to resolve is their ongoing contract uncertainty surrounding Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.

Before the market proceedings even begun, the Reds were subject to an approach from Real Madrid for their out-of-contract full-back. However chiefs at Anfield quickly rebuffed the approach, with a battle now on their hands to tie down three key players amid their push for Premier League and Champions League success.

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The January window promises to be a relatively quiet one for the Reds, one would suspect, with Liverpool looking to make opportunistic additions should they arise. Whether or not they look to strengthen in defensive, midfield or attacking areas remains to be seen across the month.

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But the transfer hierarchy on Merseyside could utilise some of the agencies, in which their current stars are signed with, in order to bolster the squad. Here, we take a closer look how;

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ROOF

ROOF agency has began to make waves within the football industry after emerging as specialists within the sport - hence their name Representatives of Outstanding Footballers. Currently, Van Dijk and Harvey Elliott are connected with the agency as the only Liverpool players tied down to their network.

However, the Reds are already in talks with ROOF, as they look to tie down the Dutchman for an extension as he enters the final months of his contract. A new deal for the Liverpool captain is, maybe, one of the most important pieces of business that the club can do between now and the end of the season.

With the added saga surrounding Alexander-Arnold, Slot will be hoping external noise around the trio's contract uncertainty will not hinder their title aspirations for the remainder of the season. Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande is another player with the agency that the Reds could look to target to reinforce their back-line.

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The 21-year-old has previously been linked with a move to the Reds and the ECHO reported last January that the Ivorian was a player the Reds had been monitoring. Diomande joined the Portuguese giants in January 2023 - and he will be heading into the final two years of his contract at the end of the season.

Previous reports have outlined that he has a €80million (£66m) release clause in his contract, but Sporting would be open to a sale in the region of £60m. However, it might also be the case where Ruben Amorim looks to raid his former club - when funds allow at Old Trafford - to strengthen Manchester United's squad.

Wasserman

Fulham defender Antonee Robinson earned praise for his performance against Salah at Anfield, last month. With ongoing criticism surrounding Andy Robertson and previous interest overseas for Kostas Tsimikas, there has been speculation over whether the Reds may look to strengthen that area in the future windows.

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The Scotland international will be 31 by the end of the season and, at stages of the campaign, has made uncharacteristic mistakes, including two penalties and a red card during the 2-2 draw with the Cottagers, prompting rumours of movement in the window.

Robinson's fine display, and links to Merseyside after spending his formative years at rivals Everton, have seen the likes of Jamie Carragher sing his praises and even point to a possible transfer. Liverpool have two players currently represented by Wasserman in Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez, alongside the American international.

PLG

Alexander-Arnold's agency, PLG, will be under the microscope for the entire month - and right until the end of the season - should the 26-year-old's contract saga drag on. The lure and watchful gaze of Real Madrid is firmly on the Liverpool full-back and supporters are split on whether he will extend his stay at his boyhood club, or jet-off to the Spanish and European champions.

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Further forward, there are plenty of Salah replacements that have been speculated as his contract ticks down. One of which is Jarrod Bowen - represented by the same agency as Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.

The 28-year-old was a player who former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admired and never shied away from making that known. Amid the speculation surrounding Salah, some former players have suggested as much - including Ally McCoist.

CAA Stellar

Speaking of Salah replacements, one of the hottest names in European football right now is his Egypt teammate Omar Marmoush. The 25-year-old is challenging England captain Harry Kane for the golden boot in the Bundesliga after firing Eintracht Frankfurt in to contention for Champions League qualification.

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Reports in recent months have suggested that the Egypt international has his sights set on a move to the Premier League and in particular, Slot's side. Marmoush, it has been widely reported, is not shy of admirers with the likes of Arsenal - who are said to be leading the race for the forward.

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