Liverpool news: Reds close to signing new defender as another transfer lined up

 Liverpool are on the verge of securing two deals as the reigning Premier League champions look to bolster their defensive options.

It's been a difficult season so far for manager Arne Slot after his triumphant debut campaign in England, when he secured a record-equalling 20th top flight title for the Reds. Since then a dramatic slump in form and a run of heavy defeats has been followed by an underwhelming unbeaten run, littered with frustrating draws. Liverpool are now languishing in fourth, a staggering 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Sporting director Richard Hughes has also come in for criticism. Despite a huge summer spending spree, the club also allowed many members of their title winning squad to leave and failed to adequately replace them. Slot currently looks short on options both in defence and attack, meaning the January transfer window could be crucial for the Reds. Here's all the latest news from Anfield.

Senegalese star incoming

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Merseyside giants are close to securing a deal for left-sided centre-back Mor Ndiaye, who represented Senegal in the recent FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

The 17-year-old is expected to join Rob Page's Under-21 squad if the deal goes through, with defender Amara Nallo likely to be loaned out this month as a consequence.

The transfer has been orchestrated by Matt Newberry, Liverpool's head of global talent at Anfield. Ndiaye has attracted attention with his impressive defensive displays and fine range of passing.

Ndiaye, who celebrates his 18th birthday today (January 6), is currently registered with Amitie Football Club in Senegal, a club owned by former Newcastle United and Chelsea striker Demba Ba.

Summer signing

Liverpool are also in discussions with Austria Vienna regarding another young centre-back, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, with the intention of signing him in the summer, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The Austrian youth international is still only 17, but the Reds are optimistic about finalising a deal that would see Ndukwe move to Anfield in time for pre-season training, which kicks off in July.

The Vienna-born centre-half would initially join Page's Under-21s squad, but the towering defender, who doesn't turn 18 until March, is seen as a promising youngster with the potential to eventually break into the senior team.

Austria made it to the final of the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, losing 1-0 to Portugal in the final after thrashing England 4-0 in the round of 16.