A rumour that is sure to brighten up every Liverpool fan's day... the Reds are trying to lure Xabi Alonso back to Anfield next summer!

The Spaniard, currently at Bayern Munich, is arguably one of Liverpool's greatest ever players and is set to be available on a free transfer next summer.

The midfielder, now 34, is out of contract and doesn't appear close to signing a new deal because he wants three years, and Bayern are unwilling to offer that.

Liverpool, suggests talkSPORT, could face stiff competition from Real Madrid. Los Blancos are managed by Rafa Benitez - Alonso's former manager at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp has spoken to Rubin Kazan midfielder Magomed Ozdoyev, according to Sport-Express in Russia.

We are told the pair had their conversation, supposedly relating to a January move, following the Europa League clash between Liverpool and Rubin last month.

However! Liverpool would have to fight off competition from Schalke, Lyon and Spartak Moscow to sign the 23-year-old.

Liverpool face a battle with Tottenham and 'two or three Serie A clubs' to sign Brazilian star Pato, who is available for around £11 million in the January transfer window.

Spurs are in the market for striking reinforcements in January and they could consider a move for Pato should they miss out on top target Saido Berahino.

Corinthians denied earlier this month that they had agreed a deal with Liverpool for Pato but ESPN reports that Klopp is a fan and wants to bolster his attacking options in January.

Liverpool are also chasing Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan played under Klopp during his tenure in Dortmund and the 25-year-old wants a reunion, according to Fichajes.

The Germany international only has 18 months left on his contract. He was linked with a move to Manchester United and Arsenal throughout the summer, but the Klopp factor may prove decisive.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Fiorentina are in a three-way race to sign Cameroon defender Nicolas N'Koulou.

The defender's contract with Marseille expires at the end of the current season and, reports The Daily Express, he is unwilling to extend his deal with the club.

And finally, Liverpool and Tottenham have been told they have "zero chance" of signing Bayer Leverkusen star Stefan Kiessling.

The 31-year-old is understood to be a transfer target for both Liverpool and Tottenham in January. And German publication Express claims Klopp is looking at the striker as cover for Daniel Sturridge.

Source: Telegraph

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.