Liverpool news: Struggling star handed deadline as summer transfer plan emerges

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Florian Wirtz has been told that he has until the festive season to turn his form around at Liverpool or risk falling out of favour with Arne SlotLiverpool have now signed off from action until after the international break. If the Reds continue to struggle for form, Slot may consider reopening the chequebook for some more firepower in January.A new defender is likely to be a priority if they do enter the market, following the summer's failed attempts to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace and Giovanni Leoni's season-ending injury.Here, Mirror Football has all you need to know on the latest news coming out of Anfield.READ MORE: Liverpool stance clear on transfer for Chelsea star in January after crushing momentREAD MORE: 'I signed Liverpool contract but there were too many lies so I joined Chelsea instead'Florian Wirtz handed Christmas deadlineFlorian Wirtz has been warned that he may only have until Christmas to prove his worth at Liverpool or risk being cast out by Arne Slot.

There was a lot of luck involved, too."It's not entirely his fault, but he needs to make sure he decides a game or two, scores a goal, or provides assists between now and Christmas."Something has to happen with him now. The Frenchman, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69million, has been performing well, contributing goals and assists for the club.In a recent chat with the BBC, the 23-year-old revealed that his main objective is to clinch the title with the club in his debut year, stating it as the primary reason he signed up with the Reds.When questioned about his ultimate career ambition, Ekitike said: "Difficult because I want to achieve so much in my career, but right now, the Premier League with Liverpool.

To win the league with Liverpool would be class."Ekitike will be hoping for a turnaround in form for his team, particularly after his suspension prevented him from aiding the squad against Palace. I know how hard it is if you play in the Premier League and you are a number nine then the defender can almost do everything he wants, and when you push him a little bit you get a free-kick against you."But it is always the best to control your emotions, and if you can't then do it in a way that doesn't lead to a yellow card."Slot changes transfer plansSlot is now reportedly targeting another Crystal Palace centre-back, with Maxence Lacroix now said to be at the summit of his summer wishlist.