Liverpool news: Marc Guehi transfer update as Reds close in on £43m centre back signing

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Just when it seemed Liverpool were getting their title defence back on track, a drab New Year's Day draw with Leeds plunged the Reds straight back into uncertainty. Despite dominating possession, Liverpool mustered just three shots on target and looked short on confidence and cohesion throughout.

The result leaves them 12 points off the pace in the title race, with Arsenal extending their lead at the summit to four points after a win over Aston Villa , coupled with Manchester City's draw against Sunderland .

With the January transfer window now open, attention is inevitably turning to the market, where Liverpool have been linked with several high-profile moves. After spending heavily in the summer, a major splurge seems unlikely, but their stuttering form suggests reinforcements may be required if the champions are to secure a top-four finish.

Here, Mirror Football rounds up the latest Liverpool-related headlines, including updates on two major transfer stories.

Liverpool have long been considered frontrunners to sign Marc Guehi , but their pursuit could yet be derailed by interest from Real Madrid . Reports in Spain suggest the Crystal Palace defender views a move to the Bernabeu as his "dream" transfer - a revelation that threatens to complicate his anticipated summer switch to Anfield.

The Reds came close to landing Guehi last summer, only for a deadline day deal to collapse at the eleventh hour . With his contract set to expire at the end of the season and no indication an extension is forthcoming, Liverpool have been widely tipped to revive their interest, particularly given the groundwork already laid and their need to strengthen defensively.

However, should Los Blancos formally enter the race, Guehi may be tempted to pick Madrid over Merseyside. The Spanish giants had previously explored a move for Liverpool centre back Ibrahima Konate, but after cooling their interest, attention may now have turned to the Palace man.

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According to AS , Guehi is determined to keep his options open and "choose the best fit" in the summer. While Liverpool remain favourites, it's understood the England international would prioritise a move to Real Madrid if they could guarantee him a starting spot.

Liverpool are closing in on the £43million signing of Club Brugge centre back Joel Ordonez, with the Reds set to beat Chelsea to the 21-year-old's signature.

The deal - which reportedly consists of an initial fee of £35m plus £8m in add-ons - is expected to be announced in the coming days, bringing Liverpool's total outlay this season close to the £500m mark.

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Ordonez is regarded as one of the brightest young defensive prospects in world football. The Ecuador international has already made more than 100 senior appearances for Club Brugge and emerged from the renowned Independiente del Valle academy, which has produced stars such as Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie and Willian Pacho.

It remains unclear whether Ordonez's arrival signals a shift away from Liverpool's long-standing interest in Guehi or simply reflects a desire to add depth, but the youngster is expected to be thrown straight into first-team contention.

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