Liverpool close in on stunning £43m Joel Ordonez move

Liverpool are set to secure the first transfer of the winter transfer window.

According to The SunThe Reds are close to completing a £43m deal for Ecuadorian centre-back Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge “in the coming days”.

The initial fee would be close to £35 million, but additions would increase the overall value of the fee.

At just 21 years old, Ordonez is seen internally as a long-term defensive solution, and his arrival would represent a significant statement from Liverpool at the start of the window.

Chelsea were also tracking the Ecuador international, but reports suggest the Blues have now withdrawn from the raceleaving Liverpool with a clear run to secure the signing.

Marc Guehi remains linked with Liverpool

Marc Guehi almost joined Liverpool this summer, with a deal agreed between the clubs and the player even undergoing a medical.

However, Crystal Palace made a last-minute U-turn, causing 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.

Real Madrid have entered the race for Guehiand also Bayern Munich, which is also monitoring the player.

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. Other Premier League clubs are showing interest in signing Guehi.

There remains a possibility that the Reds will wait until the summer and attempt to sign him on a free transfer.

Ibrahima Konaté is yet to sign a new deal with Liverpool

Liverpool also face an increasingly delicate situation regarding Ibrahima Konatéwho is yet to agree terms on a new contract at Anfield.

The French defender is reportedly looking to improve his terms and, with no deal in place, he could also 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 feeling that the potential signing of Ordonez is seen as immediate cover, while Guehi could still remain a top target for the summer as Liverpool look to safeguard their long-term defensive future.