By Wayne Veysey

13th Dec, 2022 | 5:04pm

Sources: Liverpool close in on two new signings after £160m confirmation

Liverpool are laying the groundwork for two new signings and at least one deal could be done in January, sources have told Football Insider.

The Merseysiders are pressing ahead with bringing in new recruits despite owners Fenway Sports Group actively seeking new investment including a potential full takeover.

Liverpool plans centre on sourcing new midfielders with three of their first teamers – Naby Keita, Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain and James Milner – out of contract at the end of the season and others past their peak.

The plan is to bring in at least two new midfielders and “huge” cash has been set aside for doing so, with work already underway on making background checks.

One is expected to be a big name who can slot straight into, and instantly improve, the first team. The other is likely to be a cheaper midfielder who can be developed by Klopp and his coaching staff.

Jude Bellingham is a top target for Liverpool going into the new year and they are in regular contact with his camp as work is done on what would be a potential club-record deal.

A summer deal is more likely for the Borussia Dortmund sensation but the Merseysiders face extensive competition from the world’s elite clubs, most particularly Man City.

But one January arrival could be a lower profile midfielder with the potential to become a first-team regular.

It is believed the devastating Luis Diaz injury setback – he underwent surgery last week and is facing three more months on the sidelines – is unlikely to force the club into the January market to sign a top-class forward.

Liverpool’s most recently published accounts revealed assets of £160.7million, including £31m cash in the bank and £108.9m cash owed to them.

US owners Fenway Sports Group are looking to find a new buyer and senior executives are leaving, including the sporting director Julian Ward.

FSG president Mike Gordon has quit his day-to-day role to oversee takeover talks, Ward has resigned and will leave at the end of the season and director of research Ian Graham is working his notice.

This comes after the previous sporting director Michael Edwards quit last summer after overseeing a transfer operation hailed as the best in Europe.

In other news, Terms agreed: winner named in Liverpool bid to seal Bundesliga midfielder deal.