“Will arrive” – World Cup star’s agent drops transfer hint with Liverpool talks advancing

Liverpool’s January plans are already becoming a major talking point, with several possible targets linked with a move to Anfield this week.

Liverpool making January transfer plans

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is one name back on the radar, and the Cherries are now said to be willing to discuss a winter sale after the midfielder rejected a club-record contract offer, although their reported valuation of more than £100 million would make any deal extremely difficult.

Andoni Iraola knows Scott well from their time together on the south coast, but Chelsea are also firmly in the picture.

There has also been fresh speculation around the goalkeeping department.

Hull City’s Konstantinos Tzolakis has reportedly attracted Liverpool’s attention as the Reds consider their longer-term options beyond Alisson. A fee of around £40m has been suggested, though Hull have little reason to lose an important player halfway through the season.

Those links concern players who could strengthen the senior squad quickly.

Liverpool’s latest move for Gilberto Mora, however, appears to be about securing one of football’s outstanding young talents before the competition becomes even fiercer.

According to TEAMtalk, fresh conversations have taken place on two fronts, with Liverpool speaking to Liga MX club Tijuana and advancing to dicussions with the player’s camp.

The interest has moved beyond simple background work, placing the Reds firmly among the clubs pushing for a deal, with their interest described as serious.

Mora has now turned 18, removing the age-related barrier which had prevented him from completing an international transfer. A move can therefore be arranged ahead of January, when the battle for his signature could accelerate.

Tijuana will not make that process cheap, as the Mexican club are reportedly demanding around £30m before agreeing to sell, a sum which would establish a new Liga MX transfer record.

It is an enormous price for a teenager, but Tijuana are in a strong position. Mora is tied to a contract until 2029, has already established himself in senior football and enhanced his reputation while representing Mexico at the World Cup.

They also know Liverpool are far from his only admirers. Borussia Dortmund and Benfica have both been active in the race, while Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked.

Mora’s appeal is easy to understand. He is most comfortable as an attacking midfielder, but he can also start from the left and drift into dangerous central areas.

There would still be questions over his route into the side, as Liverpool already have established players competing in creative

positions, while moving from Mexico to the Premier League would require patience from everyone involved.

What Gilberto Mora’s agent has said about Liverpool move

REUTERS/Raquel Cunha

The player’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has previously refused to be drawn on speculation around Mora’s future, but spoke to the press on his 18th birthday this week, as relayed by Sport Witness.

And while she was keen to reaffirm “there are no transfers until January, and then again until June”, asking for time and space for the youngster to develop, she also dropped a hint that a big move is not too far away once the time is right.

This echoes the sentiment of Mexico manager Rafael Marquez, who has previously backed him for a big move: “I think he could fit in with any team. He has the ability and, above all, the mentality to want to succeed. Wherever he goes, I’m sure he can have many opportunities and have a great career.”