Liverpool cult hero considered for Gerrard reunion, Fulham close on Brazil star, Man City eye La Liga stars

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is eportedly considering a move for a former Premier League and Champions League winner that became a firm favourite at Anfield.

Gerrard's Al-Ittifaq are sat in eighth place in the Pro League table following a 3-1 defeat at Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr on Friday and the aftermath of that loss brought a brutal dose of honesty from the former Reds icon as he looked towards the January transfer window.

He said: "We need to show in this window, and also the summer window, that we mean business and we want to be competitive at the top of the league, and not where we are at the moment. It's a collective thing -- the players here and now need to give more, and people need to step up and, at the right time, we will hopefully be able to make significant changes to the team and the squad.

The Mirror have claimed Gerrard could make a move for Firmino in a bid to boost his side's flagging season and reunite the Brazil international with former Liverpool team-mates Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum. Firmino has scored just three goals and provided three assists in 18 appearances in all competitions since he joined Al-Ahli during the summer - but could be handed a chance to revitalise his fortunes by reuniting with two fellow Anfield favourites.

The 3AM Verdict: "It is clear Firmino has not hit the heights many expected following his move to Al-Ahli - but joining forces with Henderson and Wijnaldum may well bring back some of the magic that helped him secure major silverware during his time with Liverpool."

Fulham set to land major blow with Brazilian transfer coup

Fulham have endured something of a mixed season so far and Saturday's home defeat against Burnley has left Marco Silva's men sat in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

January can't come quick enough for the Cottagers boss and his mood could be significantly improved after he reportedly moved closer to securing a move for one of Brazilian football's most highly-rated prospects.

Fluminense midfielder Andre has been on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs and was believed to be close to joining Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in recent months. However, Football Insider have now claimed the 22-year-old is closing on a move to Craven Cottage after Fulham 'stole a march' on their Premier League rivals in the race to sign the four-times capped Brazil star.

The 3AM Verdict: "Andre has proven his worth during his time with Fluminense and was a major factor in their Copa Libertadores win earlier this year. Unsurprisingly, talk of a move to Europe has followed and it would be a major statement of intent if Fulham can complete a move to sign the talented midfielder."

City eye triple La Liga swoop

There is no resting on his laurels for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in the aftermath of his side's World Club Cup Final win against Fluminense.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager is reportedly hoping to complete moves for three La Liga stars as he looks to refresh his City squad and keep them hungry for further success on the back of what has been a historic 12 months.

Spanish outlet Fichajes have reported Guardiola is 'preparing an offensive' to land Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde and Real Sociedad duo Martin Zubimendi and Takefusa Kubo is a triple deal that would likely cost well in excess of £100m.

The 3AM Verdict: "It seems unlikely Guardiola will land any of the three named players during the January transfer window but with the future of several members of his current squad up for question it would be no surprise is moves were made an the end of the season."