Report: Liverpool to seal first transfer of the window 'in the next few days' | OneFootball

Liverpool are close to securing the first transfer of the winter transfer window. 

According to The Sun, the Reds are close to sealing a £43m deal for Ecuadorian centre-back Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge ‘in the next few days’.

The initial fee is said to be close to £35m but add-ons would increase the overall fee worth.

At just 21 years of age, Ordonez is viewed internally as a long-term defensive solution, and his arrival would represent a significant statement from Liverpool early in the window.

Chelsea had also been tracking the Ecuador international, but reports suggest the Blues have now withdrawn from the race, leaving Liverpool with a clear run to secure the signing.

(Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Marc Guehi remains linked with Liverpool

Marc Guehi came close to joining Liverpool in the summer, with a deal agreed between the clubs and the player even undergoing a medical.

However, Crystal Palace made a U-turn last minute, resulting in the deal to collapse.

Guehi has remained a target for the Reds, however, signing him now is much more complicated due to the added competition.

Guehi is free to sign a pre-agreement with a European club in January due to his contract expiring at the end of the season. There are other Premier League clubs showing interest in signing Guehi.

There remains a possibility that the Reds will wait for the summer and try and sign him on a free transfer.

Ibrahima Konate yet to sign a new deal with Liverpool

Liverpool are also facing an increasingly delicate situation regarding Ibrahima Konate, who is yet to agree terms on a new contract at Anfield.

The French defender is reportedly seeking improved terms, and with no agreement in place, he too will be eligible to sign a pre-contract with a European club.

Failure to reach an agreement would see Konate leave on a free transfer at the end of the campaign, a scenario Liverpool are keen to avoid.

There is a growing sense that the potential signing of Ordonez is being viewed as immediate cover, while Guehi could still remain a prime target for the summer as Liverpool look to safeguard their long-term defensive future.