'If...': James Pearce says Liverpool could complete January deal to sign attacking midfielder if one thing happens

Liverpool could complete a deal to sign Fabio Carvalho from Fulham this month, according to The Athletic's James Pearce.

The journalist writes: "It’s been a quiet transfer window for Liverpool and that’s unlikely to change before the deadline.

"In terms of incomings, Liverpool retain an interest in Fulham attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho.

"The club’s recruitment staff are monitoring the teenager’s situation closely.

"If Fulham decide to cash in before the deadline then Liverpool will have a decision to make but, as things stand, the player will be staying put until his contract expires in the summer."

The 19-year-old is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes and has been linked with a move to Liverpool a few times this season.

Liverpool are hard at work to strike an agreement with Mendes for Carvalho’s signature, Football Insider reported earlier this month.

After chief scout Barry Hunter gave the green light, work started on a deal to sign the 19-year-old.

While he may be playing in the Championship right now, the attacking midfielder has been in fantastic form this season, with 8 goals and 2 assists in 18 matches for the league leaders.

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are fantastic players with exemplary injury records but even they need rest and so signing Carvalho could allow Jurgen Klopp the opportunity to rest his star attackers when necessary.

It's been a while since Liverpool had a player able to play as a no.10 and on the wings, with Philippe Coutinho the last player able to do so and the effect it has on the Reds' fluidity between the lines is incredible.

Currently, Jurgen Klopp's squad is missing a player that can float between the lines and receive the ball with his back to goal before making a sharp turn and driving forward.

Liverpool prefer to move the ball from side to side to work space for their fullbacks to whip the ball into the box and while this has seen Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson reap the rewards, it's somewhat predictable.

Even if Liverpool continue to use their fullbacks as their main source of creativity, having a player with the ability to work magic centrally at least gives Klopp an extra option when things don't initially go to plan.

Carvalho also has an eye for goal and is more than capable of going on a mazy run, beating a few defenders before taking a shot on goal and that kind of bravery on the ball is often what's needed in tight games to make a difference.

Liverpool have too many players in central areas that play in the same way. Afraid to turn with a preference for a square pass whereas Carvalho is an adventurous player and is happy to take on the responsibility of driving at defences.