Liverpool must beat Barcelona to transfer of 42-goal star | OneFootball

The January transfer window may not be open for another few months yet but, that doesn't mean the Liverpool transfer rumour mill has stopped turning.

There are still several areas among the Reds' ranks that could do with an upgrade or two so that they can get back to their best.

Indeed, the four signings that they made in the summer will all probably come good at some point with some such as Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet already pulling their weight.

However, unless they add some new players to their ranks in the positions that they desperately need, it doesn't feel like they'll be able to compete with their rivals for the Premier League.

At the moment, they're obviously still unbeaten across all competitions but, with their first game back after the international break coming against Manchester City, they'll certainly have their work cut out for them.

So, even though the transfer window is shut, the fact that the Reds are still being linked with new players is certainly good news.

Liverpool and Barcelona both want to sign Marcos Llorente

Marcos Llorente has almost become synonymous with Atletico Madrid.

The Spaniard has been with Diego Simeone's men for as long as anyone can remember with some people not even knowing that he originally played for Real Madrid.

Whether he's used as a right-back or a defensive-midfielder, he's always been one of Atletico's best performers, especially against Liverpool.

Indeed, he is getting on a bit now as he's 31 years old but, he's already proven this season that he still has a lot of time left at the top level.

This summer, his contract is set to expire and, since no agreement has been reached with his current club about a new deal, clubs are starting to circle and eye a move for him.

With this in mind, the latest update from Spanish journalist Adrian Sierra has revealed who Liverpool will need to face in the race to sign Llorente.

"FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich have shown interest in Marcos Llorente," he wrote.

"The rojiblanco's contract ends in the summer of 2027, although Atlético hopes to close his renewal.

"Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City are also keeping an eye on the player."

Liverpool need to sign Marcos Llorente no matter what

The fact that a trio of Premier League clubs as well as Barcelona and Bayern Munich all want Llorente proves how good he still is.

Against Liverpool this season, the midfielder scored the opening goal of the game while being used as a right-back.

His blistering pace coupled with his ability to both attack and defend make him the perfect player for Liverpool to target.

Llorente's versatility is also probably one of the main reasons why so many clubs want to sign him.

He may be 31 years old but, with how good he still is, it doesn't really feel like his age is going to be a problem.

Of course, moving from La Liga to the Premier League will be a big jump for him but, with how well he often performs in the Champions League, it genuinely feels like he'd easily be able to adapt.

These are all just rumours at the moment but, for now, the fact that Llorente, who has scored 42 goals throughout his career, is even being linked with a Liverpool move is rather exciting, especially with how desperately they could do with a new right-back and defensive midfielder.