Latest transfer news today: Euro giants ready to pounce on Man City star as Liverpool lead winger race

The countdown to the return of Premier League action is well underway, with less than ten days to go before domestic football resumes.

Until then, speculation ahead of the January transfer window continues to gather pace, so with that in mind, Football Whispers takes a look at the biggest rumours and headlines from today's back pages.

Liverpool leading Kevin Schade race

Liverpool have emerged as strong contenders in the race to sign Brentford winger Kevin Schade ahead of the January transfer window.

According to reports, the Reds are among the leading admirers of the 24-year-old, who has scored three goals in his first five Premier League appearances this season.

Schade is entering the final 18 months of his Brentford contract, and uncertainty over a new deal has alerted a number of top clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.

Liverpool view the versatile Germany international as a player capable of strengthening multiple attacking positions, with his ability to operate on either wing making him an attractive option for Andoni Iraola's side.

LaLiga giants ready to pounce on Erling Haaland

Manchester City could face a battle to keep hold of Erling Haaland should the striker become available in the future.

Reports suggest both Real Madrid and Barcelona are monitoring the Norway international, who remains one of the most coveted forwards in world football.

The 26-year-old has scored an extraordinary 169 goals in 205 appearances for City, cementing his status as one of Europe's elite attacking talents.

While no move appears imminent, Haaland would be expected to attract significant interest from the continent's biggest clubs if his situation at the Etihad Stadium were to change.

Spurs monitor Konstantinos Tzolakis

Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Hull City goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis as they assess their long-term options between the posts.

According to reports, Spurs have watched the 23-year-old on multiple occasions following his impressive start to life in the Premier League after joining Hull from Olympiacos in a £20m deal plus add-ons.

Tzolakis has already kept three Premier League clean sheets this season and continues to enhance his reputation at international level with Greece.

While Hull have no intention of selling, Tottenham are understood to be keeping close tabs on the goalkeeper amid growing doubts over the long-term suitability of current No.1 Antonin Kinsky.