Liverpool transfer news: Club join Barcelona in race for Paris teenager, Philippe Coutinho return considered

We round-up the latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours at Friday lunchtime

Here is the latest Liverpool transfer news as we round-up the latest rumours, gossip and done deals at Friday lunchtime.

The Reds were particularly busy in the market last summer but are yet to sign a player this time around, instead focusing on departures, with the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Alberto Moreno and Danny Ings all leaving the club, with Sheyi Ojo departing on loan.

There have been plenty of rumours though. The club are reportedly interested in Silas Wamangituka and Jack O’Conntell, with reports in France suggesting they could even attempt to bring Philippe Coutinho back to Anfield.

And what about further outgoings? Rafael Camacho is among those who could depart, while Divock Origi’s future is uncertain.

Here, we round-up the latest news and rumours.

Liverpool enter race for striker

Liverpool have entered the race for talented Paris FC striker Silas Wamangituka, according to reports in Portugal.

Could Liverpool move for the teenager? (Getty)

19-year-old Wamangituka had a fine campaign for Paris last season, scoring 11 goals in 32 Ligue 2 matches as Paris finished in the playoffs, eventually crashing out on penalties to Lens.

He has been linked with Braga, Marseille and Barcelona, with reports earlier in the season that Liverpool sent scouts to watch him in action.

And now Jornal de Notícias claim Liverpool are ready to make an offer for the rising star.

O’Connell open to Liverpool move

Sheffield United defender Jack O’Connell has admitted it would be “hard to turn down” a move to boyhood club Liverpool.

The 25-year-old was a key player for the Blades last season, leading to rumours the Reds could make a move for him this summer.

“All my family are Liverpool fans so we couldn't wait to find out when we played Liverpool and to face them on New Year's Day will be a special moment for me and my family,” O'Connell said.

Jack O’Connell supported the Reds as a child (Getty)

“I'm a massive Liverpool fan and went to the Champions League final in Madrid - but couldn't really enjoy the game because I ended up analysing them as opposition next season.

“I'm guessing staying up is the main priority [for Sheffield United] but seeing Jordan Henderson lift the trophy gave me goosebumps, and I'd love it to be me one day.

“Obviously I am happy at Sheffield United. I've just signed a new contract and I've never thought about leaving, but my dream as a kid was to play for Liverpool and if they ever come knocking, although unlikely, it would be hard to turn them down.”

Liverpool considering Coutinho return

Reports in France claim that Liverpool are monitoring former player Philippe Coutinho.

Philippe Coutinho has struggled in Spain (Getty Images)

The former Liverpool man has endured a miserable year-and-a-half at Barcelona and wants to quit the Camp Nou this summer.

And Le10 Sport say Liverpool remain in the hunt for their former star, with the Brazilian set to be available for less than the £136m they sold him for two seasons ago.

Camacho could go

Rafael Camacho’s father has admitted that the 19-year-old winger could leave the club this summer.

The teenager began his career at Sporting Lisbon and could return to the Portuguese side.

Rafael Camacho could leave Liverpool (Getty)

“Sporting is a good possibility,” Camacho Snr told Sport Witness. “Rafael played there for eight years. Going back to a club that you know well would be a bit like coming home. He knows the club, people know him and this could be an advantage.

“There’s another great club [interested]. We know that they are also following this situation closely.

“As with the case of Sporting, it would imply the return to Portugal, which is something that we would welcome.”

Origi and Ojo latest

One deal that seemingly won’t be happening this summer is the departure of Divock Origi. The Mirror reports that Belgian forward Divock Origi will be going nowhere in this transfer window, even though this runs the risk that Liverpool will lose him for free next year. The 24-year-old enjoyed a remarkable renaissance at the club last year, producing at crucial times in the Premier League and Champions League.

Divock Origi has one year left (Reuters)

The forward is understood to want more first-team football in the long term, but is prepared to spend another season with the European champions.

A deal that has been confirmed is the departure on loan of Sheyi Ojo to Rangers. The winger will be the third Liverpool loanee to link up with Steven Gerrard in Glasgow, following loan spells for Ryan Kent and Ovie Ejaria last season.

Rangers captain James Tavernier is excited at the prospect of playing with the Liverpool man, telling Rangers TV he has “heard some good things” about him and declaring that the youngster has already impressed since arriving in Scotland.