As Christmas approaches, Liverpool leads the league. Is there anything else that matters at this point? Top of the heap is the be-all and end-all for many Reds fans at any time of year.

Others will surely be keeping an eye on happenings at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, with Manchester United seeking to beat Bayern Munich and advance in the Champions League. While the Red Devils’ form will be enthralling ahead of their trip to Anfield on Sunday, the potential of them sliding into the Europa League will also fascinate Liverpool supporters, for obvious reasons.

With attention focused on the upcoming Premier League game between the two northern powers, it will be interesting to watch who Jürgen Klopp selects for the dead rubber trip to Union SG. Due to injuries to important team members, more senior players may be engaged than would be ideal.

With the Reds’ roster devastated by injuries, the focus will soon shift to January and the reopening of the transfer market. With that in mind, here is Liverpool.com’s take on the latest transfer rumor to swirl about the Reds.

Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen

TEAMtalk (via HITC) reports that Chelsea is preparing to sweep out squad members in order to rebuild its roster to manager Mauricio Pochettino’s specifications. According to reports, up to seven men may be on their way out.

One of them is left-back Ian Maatsen. The 21-year-old impressed on loan at Burnley last season but has been given little chances with the Blues, appearing in just under 300 minutes this season.

Liverpool is interested in signing the Dutchman, according to TEAMtalk. With his contract expiring at the end of next season, Chelsea will need to offload Maatsen quickly if it wants to fetch a transfer fee, and Liverpool may show renewed interest.

While left-back is not the most needed position in the Liverpool squad, Andy Robertson is getting older and Kostas Tsimikas frequently flatters to deceive. The Greek is also not very young, at least not young enough to be the long-term heir to the role.

Maatsen, who has played for the Netherlands at three youth levels with Ryan Gravenberch, might contribute to the growing Dutch contingent at Anfield. Making the most of a bright youngster’s contract situation is definitely a move we could see the Reds making.

Conor Gallagher could potentially be worth keeping an eye on. He had previously been linked with Liverpool and is expected to be part of the Chelsea fire sale.