It has been reported that RB Salzburg are close to signing Liverpool talent Bobby Clark after agreeing a £10million deal with the midfielder. Pep Lijnders, who was appointed as the new head coach in Austria this summer, worked previously with the 19-year-old and it has been said two bids had already been rejected.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the future of Virgil van Dijk as the Liverpool captain enters the final year of his contract at Anfield. Arne Slot will go into his first Premier League campaign as head coach with three star players facing scrutiny after entering the last 12 months of their deals.
Van Dijk spoke candidly about his future following the win over Sevilla in pre-season but reports suggest there is an "openness" from all parties to extend the Holland defender's stay.
Liverpool have faced intense speculation over a move for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Georgian was one of the breakout stars from Euro 2024 and the Reds are monitoring the 23-year-old, although the ECHO understands a move this summer is unlikely.
Today, there are reports that the shot-stopper has agreed personal terms with the club but no official agreement has been reached.
Uncertainty over Trent Alexander-Arnold continues as he enters the final year of his contract at Liverpool. There have been reports in recent weeks of interest from Real Madrid as the European giants eye the Reds' vice-captain to bolster Carlo Ancelotti's side.
With 12 months remaining on his contract, Alexander-Arnold will be able to speak to overseas clubs from January which could spark a mass scramble for his signature.
However, the latest reports are that Los Blancos have cooled their interest in the Liverpool full-back as the Reds prepare for the first campaign under new head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool are likely to start the season with defender Sepp van den Berg in the ranks after no clubs have met the £20million price-tag. Reports in Holland have claimed that PSV Eindhoven have pulled out of the deal, despite being front-runners throughout the summer.
Yesterday, supporters were licking their wounds after Martin Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool. It is understood, no alternatives are being eyed at this moment of time and to create greatr strain, there was a brief report that Luis Diaz had agreed a five-year deal with Manchester City.
Follow below for all the latest Liverpool transfer news in our live blog...
Matthew Abbott
Darwin 'doubts'
Michael Owen has told OLBG that he doubts whether Darwin Nunez can win the Premier League Golden Boot.
When it comes to finishing, you can practice certain scenarios and you can put yourself in certain situations and drill a certain finish - and certain areas of where you can finish from is definitely helpful. I always go back to Mohamed Salah, I look at him and his finishing ability when I first set eyes on him, then you look at him now and he's a 10 times better finisher.
Conversely, when I look at Nunez, when he first turned up I saw a raw player and thought that if he can be coached well, if he can learn, if he can add a bit to his game, he could be unstoppable. But sadly, I'm still saying the same thing now.
That leads me to believe that he'll struggle to score the numbers of goals that his potential suggests he could. So I'm starting to doubt that he can win a Golden Boot, whereas when he first joined I thought, wow, this guy could develop into something special. He’s still a very, very talented player and will score a handful, but the question is can he win a Golden Boot? Not on the evidence I’ve seen.
Matthew Abbott
Reds 'want' in-demand defender
Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing Piero Hincapie as the versatile defender seemingly wants to leave Bayer Leverkusen.
StudioFutbol reports that Xabi Alonso has asked the Ecuador international to stay amid alleged interest from Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, the Reds and Tottenham Hotspur. Ecuadorian newspaper El Comercio, citing reports from England, also claims Manchester United want the player.
They add that it is being widely reported in Germany that Hincapie will leave Leverkusen this month. The reason for wanting to leave is said to be because of minutes after only starting half of their matches in the Bundesliga last season.
Matthew Abbott
'Is there any player?' - Slot reacts to Diaz transfer speculation
Arne Slot has laughed off speculation around Luis Diaz's future, insisting the Liverpool winger can have a big impact at Anfield this season. The Colombia international has been linked with a move to Barcelona in recent months while he was also named in connection with a shock switch to Manchester City earlier this week, which was quickly rebuffed by club sources.
Liverpool are adamant there has been no approach from any club regarding a deal for Diaz and Slot also rejected suggestions the former Porto star could be a high-profile exit before the transfer window closes on August 30.
Continue reading this from Paul Gorst here >>>
Matthew Abbott
Slot is the 'biggest signing in the Premier League this summer'
Michael Owen has told OLBG that Arne Slot is the biggest signing in the Premier League this summer
Arne Slot has shown some great signs in pre-season because that game against Manchester United was a big game for him. All the eyes were on him, talk about pressure.
When you talk about who's the biggest signing in the Premier League this summer, it’s Arne Slot. That is the biggest role to fill in the Premier League this summer. Jurgen Klopp leaving after all that time, that is the biggest signing and he's got more pressure on him than anybody else in the Premier League.
Even though it's pre-season friendly, because of who it was against I think straight away Liverpool fans will be quietly excited. It’s good early signs and enough to get the crowd really backing you, get that belief, get the players understanding that your standards are high because they need to be high to go and win the Premier League, they need to be super high. I think it was very positive and more than just a pre-season game for Liverpool.
Matthew Abbott
Slot on Zubimendi
Arne Slot is adamant Liverpool are still working on strengthening their squad in this transfer window as he reflected on the failure to sign Martin Zubimendi.
The Reds had pinpointed Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi as their chief target this summer and were ready to trigger his £52million release clause at Real Sociedad.
But despite having been given a clear indication from the player he wanted to move to Anfield, Zubimendi earlier this week informed Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes he was staying at his boyhood club.
Continue reading this from Ian Doyle here >>>
Matthew Abbott
Slot is the 'biggest signing in the Premier League this summer'
Michael Owen has told OLBG that Arne Slot is the biggest signing in the Premier League this summer
Arne Slot has shown some great signs in pre-season because that game against Manchester United was a big game for him. All the eyes were on him, talk about pressure.
When you talk about who's the biggest signing in the Premier League this summer, it’s Arne Slot. That is the biggest role to fill in the Premier League this summer. Jurgen Klopp leaving after all that time, that is the biggest signing and he's got more pressure on him than anybody else in the Premier League.
Even though it's pre-season friendly, because of who it was against I think straight away Liverpool fans will be quietly excited. It’s good early signs and enough to get the crowd really backing you, get that belief, get the players understanding that your standards are high because they need to be high to go and win the Premier League, they need to be super high. I think it was very positive and more than just a pre-season game for Liverpool.
Matthew Abbott
I've seen what Arne Slot is doing differently at Liverpool - the midfield will be strengthened
Few positions in world football have dominated the column inches like Liverpool's midfield department these past 12 months. Last summer, the Reds spent the best part of £150m on it
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch were all brought in as Jurgen Klopp waved goodbye to Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, James Milner and Jordan Henderson.
Meanwhile, both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia were chased before the pair moved to Chelsea. And this transfer window has again seen the Reds dealing with questions around their engine room having failed to land Spain international Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
Continue reading this from Paul Gorst here >>>
Matthew Abbott
Rodrygo to 'review' future
Rodrygo reportedly will stay with Real Madrid for at least another season despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
The Athletic claim they have been told by people who know the player very well that the forward is set to stay. However, it is acknowledged that Rodrygo will review the situation next summer.
Manchester City have reputedly been in contact regarding the Brazil international this year, with manager Pep Guardiola said to be an admirer of the player. Madrid, though, are reputedly not braced for any bids. Liverpool have also been linked with Rodrygo this summer, but the ECHO understands that those rumours are untrue.
Matthew Abbott
I rejected Real Madrid to sign for Liverpool - but they were completely right to bomb me out
Liverpool supporters have found themselves left feeling frustrated fairly regularly in recent transfer windows. With the new Premier League season set to get underway on Friday night, they remain the only side in the English top-flight yet to sign a new player.
It’s not through lack of trying, of course. Martin Zubimendi rejected a move to Anfield on Monday, while Newcastle United pulled the plug on a swap deal for Anthony Gordon back in June.
But after seeing pursuits for Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia also all end in failure over the last two years, recent transfer windows have not been straight-forward for the Reds.
Continue reading this from Theo Squires here >>>
Liam Wood
Anthony Gordon transfer betting odds - Bet365
The Liverpool ECHO understands Liverpool agreed a deal to sign Anthony Gordon this summer. However, the former Everton forward has not returned to Merseyside (yet) after Newcastle pulled the plug on a £75million agreement. Here are the latest Bet365 odds on his future;
To stay at Newcastle - 2/5
Liverpool - 7/4
Manchester City - 18/1
*Odds were correct at 06:30 on August 16. Subject to change.
Liam Wood
Liverpool can still capitalise on transfer clause
Liverpool are yet to sign a player this summer after being rejected by Martin Zubimendi.
However, it's inevitably a different story around the rest of the Premier League teams. Ahead of the new season getting underway on Friday night, the Reds remain the only side in the English top-flight to add to their squad. Admittedly, some have been busier than others, with title-rivals Arsenal and Man City navigating relatively quiet summers on the incoming front so far.
Continue reading this from Theo Squires here >>>
Liam Wood
Liverpool offered Gonçalo Inácio chance - reports
Gonçalo Inácio is doing the rounds, once again, on the rumour mill for Liverpool.
The defender has been linked with a switch to the Premier League for some time.
His agent Miguel Pinho is thought to be in England right now.
Reports from Portuguese newspaper A Bola reckon Pinho is scheduled to hold conversations with Liverpool over Inácio's future. The 22-year-old currently plays for Sporting Lisbon and is said to have a release clause around the £51million-mark.
Liam Wood
Good morning from The Liverpool Echo
Good morning and welcome back to our dedicated Liverpool transfer blog.
The Liverpool ECHO will have you covered at every step with the latest news, views and rumours from Anfield and beyond. Liam Wood first up in the chair this morning as we also look ahead to the Premier League curtain raiser.
Amie Wilson
Deadline to register new signings
Liverpool will have to act quickly if they want to bring in any new players before the first game of the campaign.
Clubs have until 12pm on the Friday of the match weekend for players who have signed to be eligible to play in the upcoming game.
It means that both Liverpool and Ipswich have a matter of hours to get a deal done if they want any new players to feature in the game.
Amie Wilson
Liverpool 'offered' midfielder
Liverpool are one of a few teams 'offered' the chance to sign Marco Verratti this summer, according HITC.
The former PSG man is currently with Qatari outfit Al-Arabi after completing a £39 million move last summer. However, it is said that he is now looking for a move back to Europe.
According to the report intermediaries have been in contact with the Reds, as well as Man United, Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Amie Wilson
Ipswich make major announcement ahead of Liverpool clash
Ipswich have confirmed that muscian and lifelong fan Ed Sheeran has bought a minority stake in the club ahead of the new season.
Liverpool kick off their season on Saturday when they travel to Portman Road to take on the Tractor Boys.
Ipswich earned back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League last season via a second placed finish in the Championship.
Amie Wilson
Liverpool 'tracking' midfielder
Liverpool are one of several clubs keeping an eye on Tromso's 6ft 4in midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl this summer, according to HITC.
The 18-year-old has broken into the first team of the Norwegian side and has been catching eyes with his performancees in both central midfield and in a more defensive midfield role.
The report says that Liverpool have been watching the player for more than a year, but face competition from Aston Villa, Tottenham, Everton, Fulham, Sheffield United and Coventry City. Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are also said to be showing an interest.
Amie Wilson
PSG competition
PSG have reignited their interest in Lyon's Rayan Cherki, according to reports in France.
Liverpool are one of the teams who have been linked with the attacking midfielder throughout the summer.
According to footmercato, PSG have now made their move.
Amie Wilson
Former Liverpool man on the move
Xerdan Shaquiri has several options for his next move after he left Chicago Fire by mutual consent earlier this week.
The 32-year-old, who played 63 times for Liverpool, scoring eight goals, has had contact from clubs in Turkey, Greece and Saudi Arabia in recent days, according to Sky Germany.
Amie Wilson
Transfer completed
Liverpool have announced that midfielder Luca Stephenson has signed for Scottish side Dundee United on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan with League Two side Barrow where he made 34 appearances. He has been part of Arne Slot's senior squad during pre-season, but will spend the rest of the campaign in Scotland.
Amie Wilson
Opening weekend fixtures
Liverpool travel to take on newly-promoted Ipswich Town in Saturday's early kick-off as they get their Premier League campaign underway. But what does the opening weekend look like for every other Premier League side?
Here is a run down of all the weekend's fixtures:
Man United vs Fulham (Friday, 8pm kick-off)
Ipswich vs Liverpool (Saturday, 12.30pm)
Arsenal vs Wolves (Saturday, 3pm)
Everton vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)
Newcastle vs Southampton (Saturday, 3pm)
Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth (Saturday, 3pm)
West Ham vs Aston Villa (Saturday, 5.30pm)
Brentford vs Crystal Palace (Sunday, 2pm)
Chelsea vs Man City (Sunday, 4.30pm)
Leicester vs Tottenham (Monday, 8pm)
Amie Wilson
Liverpool told to hijack £60m transfer
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has told the Reds to hijack Newcastle's move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi this summer, saying that he could be one of two missing pieces of the puzzle to win the title.
He told TalkSPORT this week:
"I think he would be great for Liverpool. They might still come in. [They need] a six and a centre-half if they want to win the title.
“I've talked about him for 12-18 months. He is a terrific player. He's calm, two-footed, reads the game well, quick. You need pace for a centre-half these days.”
Amie Wilson
New Koopmeiners bid
Juventus have upped their offer for reported Liverpool target Teun Koopmeiners, according to Fabrizio Romano
The Italian giants had seen a bid of €50 million (£42.7m) plus €5 million (£4.3m) in add-on rejected by Atalanta previously, but are now trying with an improved offer that could be worth up to €57 million (£48.7m).
Amie Wilson
Liverpool hold Luis Diaz 'talks'
Liverpool have held 'talks' with Luis Diaz over a new deal, according to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra.
The journalist also confirms Barcelona's interest in the 27-year-old, but the finances of any potential deal could be an issue.
His post on X translates to: "The interest of Barcelona in Luis Diaz (27) is real. They reactivated their interest since last week. They want to make an offer, but they are looking for how with "financial engineering",
"Liverpool he already had talks to renew his contract (which expires in 2027), but without anything concrete."
Amie Wilson
Nico Williams watch
Reports over Barcelona's interest in Luis Diaz means that there may be a few Liverpool fans keeping a close eye on the future of Nico Williams over the next couple of weeks, with him being Barca's priority target.
Athletic Bilbao are in La Liga action tonight (Thursday) as they take on Getafe. And Williams has been names in the starting line up for the match.
It therefore suggests that a move to Barcelona is not close.
Amie Wilson
Martin Zubimendi verdict
Former Liverpool man John Aldrige has sympathised with Martin Zubimendi over the decision he had to make over his future.
The midfielder turned down a move to Liverpool in favour of staying with his boyhood club. Aldridge had a similar decision to make during his career and can relate to how the player must have been feeling.
"Martin Zubimendi will have been torn in two about whether to move to Liverpool or not. It’s all very political, we don’t know what’s been said behind-closed-doors," Aldridge wrote in his weekly column for the ECHO. "He has had Liverpool in one ear and Real Sociedad in the other."
He added: "It's hard when you're in this situation because you're a Sociedad fan, he loves the club. And I’ll tell you something, San Sebastian is one of the nicest places in the world. And I was lucky to play there for two years. It’s a beautiful place, the food is amazing. Everything about the place is top drawer. So it is tough because it’s his boyhood team."
Amie Wilson
Good afternoon all
Hello, my name is Amie and I will be taking you through all of this evening until the close of day tonight. We will keep you abrest of all the latest Liverpool news.
Lets's start with taking a look at some of the biggest from today that you may have missed:
EXCLUSIVE: Curtis Jones on his Liverpool fight, dealing with abuse and future plans
Why Liverpool are willing to sell young talents after £10m deal agreed
Liverpool face Man City transfer twist after huge injury blow could prompt Pep Guardiola U-turn
Liverpool next transfer 'agreed' as £47m star misses Super Cup to force move
Bruna Reis
Inacio breakthrough
Liverpool could possibly see a breakthrough in their pursuit for Sporting Clube de Portugal centre-back Goncalo Inacio. The Portuguese has previously been linked with the Reds as well as Manchester United.
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, agent Miguel Pinho, who is also Bruno Fernandes' representative is currently in England after the United captain committed his future to the club. As a result, it's said Pinho will now hold conversations with Liverpool.
For now, those discussions are said to be formal though they still remain interested in a swoop for the Portugal international. However, Inacio's signature is set to come at a cost.
Kieran King
Van den Berg race
Bayer Leverkusen have joined the race for Sepp van den Berg, according to German outlet Kicker.
Liverpool are holding out for around £20million to sanction the permanent sale of the Dutchman, with PSV Eindhoven and Mainz also interested.
Kieran King
Carragher on Liverpool
Jamie Carragher has claimed that he feels Liverpool games could be "less exciting" under Arne Slot this season compared to Jurgen Klopp.
"Arne Slot will have a different approach from Jürgen Klopp because I’ve seen snippets of that in the pre-season," he told Sky Sports. "It looks like it will be a more controlled build up, slightly more possession based. I’ve seen people talk about it already, that he’s completely different to Klopp, but under Jürgen Klopp Liverpool used to have 60% of the ball and dominated possession.
"Maybe the games will be less end-to-end, maybe less exciting and more controlled. Even when you watched Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp last season there were things they could improve, defence was one area they could improve so having more control in games could certainly help that."
