As most of the nation was getting spruced up for New Year’s Eve parties, news started to emerge that Real Madrid had made an approach to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January. Before the window had even begun, Liverpool fans may have feared the worst. So although business has been limited, the main thing is that the Scouse heartbeat of their team will be sticking around… for now, anyway. Arne Slot said earlier this week that the club is definitely looking to strengthen in the summer window, music to the ears of the social media boo-boys who spend their days grumbling about a lack of transfer activity.

Here, as part of our series recapping your club’s January business, our Liverpool expert Lewis Steele runs the rule over the Merseyside side’s month. What business have Liverpool done so far in January and will they be happy with it?. This answer could be a single word: no. It has been a very quiet month for Liverpool and even the transfer rumour mill has barely spluttered out their name. Arne Slot has maintained that the Liverpool squad he inherited is very strong and signings would not be made for the sake of it.

Recruitment meetings have taken place at the AXA Training Centre with a view to attacking the summer window(Pictured: Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes). Reds fans will be delighted that Trent Alexander-Arnold will remain with the club until at least the end of the season. But recruitment meetings have taken place at the AXA Training Centre with a view to attacking the summer transfer window. Slot believes his squad is very strong and, from his very first day at the club, insisted that he will not sign players for the sake of it. So in answer to the ‘will they be happy with it?’ part – the management team certainly are.

A new addition would please fans but this is the best squad in the Premier League and, barring a capitulation, they should romp to the league title. In terms of outgoings, academy midfielder Tom Hill completed a permanent move to League Two side Harrogate Town, while goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga returned to Brazil and former club Fluminense. What more do they need and do they have money to spend?. Money is no object.

There are two positions that Liverpool could do with strengthening – though picking them out is probably scraping the barrel for debate points. They failed with a bid to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer and the Spanish midfielder now looks certain to join Arsenal in the summer. Clearly, an extra body in the midfield department is desired, though Ryan Gravenberch’s form saw the urgency of this fall.

Experienced full-back Andy Robertson has failed to hit the heights of yesteryear and the Reds may look to improve in his position. Left back is another area of concern, if we are being picky. Andy Robertson has failed to hit the heights of yesteryear, while Kostas Tsimikas is an able deputy but some would say he is not up to scratch to be a regular starter. The pair are 30 and 28 respectively. Who are they targeting?.

In terms of January, as stated in this question-and-answer article before the window, Liverpool were not flustered by outside noise in the summer when they made just one signing, and were not likely to change tack here. The Reds would only act if an opportunity presents itself this month – and that has not been the case. Ajax defender Jorrel Hato was at Anfield on Saturday which raised eyebrows. It is understood he was there as a guest of Gravenberch as the Dutch side had a free weekend. Their striker Brian Bobbey also took a trip to London, for example, but nothing was related to a transfer.

In addition, Hato was not in the posh seats. If Liverpool were courting him, ask yourself this: why would they stick him in with the regular punters? The defender is a classy talent and is likely to be a target for many clubs this summer but his visit to Merseyside was not related to this. Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth is one that Liverpool admire. Richard Hughes, the sporting director, signed him for the Cherries – his former club who Liverpool play on Saturday – and the Hungary international is represented by Fali Ramidani, Federico Chiesa’s agent.

Of course, they could be in the market for a right back if Alexander-Arnold was to leave for Real Madrid. Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong is expected to move this summer with a host of top clubs keen – though it is unsure whether he fits Slot’s style. Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is admired by the Anfield club and was signed by Hughes during his time as the Cherries sporting director.

Who could still leave?. Several players could leave in the next few days – including Jayden Danns, Kaide Gordon, Tyler Morton and James McConnell, though the latter raises an interesting discussion point. McConnell starred in Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat at PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night and was singled out for praise by Slot – which is an unusual move for a manager who often prefers to discuss the collective rather than individual.