Liverpool latest: Arne Slot 'wants player to come back' as double agreement edges closer

A closer look at Liverpool headlines as a player is linked with a return to the Reds ahead of the January transfer window and other agreements are claimed to be in the works

Liverpool face a pivotal clash against Manchester City on Sunday as the Reds seek to reassert their Premier League title ambitions. Boss Arne Slot will be hoping that consecutive victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid signal his side's return to peak form.

While the Liverpool squad will be entirely focused on securing a statement victory against City, the club have been linked with numerous moves as the January transfer window draws near. There has been speculation that the Reds may wish to recall one of their loan players to Anfield following a disappointing start to the campaign.

Additionally, Liverpool are understood to be progressing with fresh contracts for two of their most vital players. Here, Echo Sport looks at some of the stories surrounding Liverpool.

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Harvey Elliott transfer theory surfaces

Harvey Elliott's loan switch to Aston Villa has not unfolded as many would have anticipated. The gifted midfielder has managed just two starts across seven outings and he has not appeared for Unai Emery's team in the past month.

The 22-year-old departed Liverpool on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for £35million, but former Villa CEO Keith Wyness reckons Elliott could return to Liverpool before those terms are fulfilled.

"I am surprised because I think he's a good player, but he hasn't quite taken the eye of Emery," Wyness said on Football Insider's Inside Track podcast. "Now, there's also a big conspiracy theory going on right now. He's on loan, and if he gets 10 games, then he triggers the obligation to buy.

"There's talk that Liverpool want him back as well, so if the loan isn't confirmed, then he could come back to Liverpool. Perhaps Liverpool are wishing that they had him there right now on the bench while they've got issues with all these new expensive signings.

"A lot of the Liverpool fans I've been speaking to would have been much happier to have Elliott on the field than some of these other players."

Liverpool working on double deal

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on securing new contracts for midfield duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch. Both players joined the Reds in 2023 and have been standout performers during Slot's tenure.

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool are making progress in their discussions with Szoboszlai, although negotiations are not yet in the final stages. The club is said to be ready to increase the 25-year-old's wages, reflecting his growing significance to the team.

Szoboszlai and Gravenberch both still have two-and-a-half years left on their current contracts but it is claimed that Liverpool want to ensure both players stay at the club for the long term. Gravenberch became a key player during Liverpool's title-winning campaign, excelling in a deeper midfield role.

Szoboszlai has scored twice and provided five assists in 15 appearances this term. Meanwhile, Gravenberch's recent return to fitness signalled the end of the club's losing run.

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