Arne Slot has just completed his first week as Liverpool boss and the rumour mill has been churning with transfer speculation.
The latest sees the Reds linked with Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh, who worked under Slot at loan club Feyenoord last season. Reports suggest Liverpool are among those interested in the £40m-priced winger.
Anfield links with Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo persist, with speculation claiming that Liverpool are tracking his situation. The Brazilian is at risk of being pushed out of the Real line-up amid the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
Meanwhile, the ECHO understands that Sepp van den Berg is not close to securing a permanent transfer away to Mainz, where he was on loan last season. The centre-back - who has played just four times for Liverpool's senior side since his 2019 arrival - is being valued at £20m, with Mainz still some way off that figure.
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer updates regarding Liverpool in the ECHO's live blog below.
Mark Wakefield
Ex-Manchester United manager hails Arne Slot appointment
Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hailed Arne Slot as Holland's best coach and believes Liverpool have made a "very good choice" with his appointment.
"It's a big job because Jurgen Klopp has done it fantastically, so he as the successor is always more difficult," Van Gaal told Sky Sports.
"But he is a good trainer. I think at the moment - with Peter Bosz - the best trainer from the Netherlands. I think Liverpool have made a very good choice."
Mark Wakefield
Dominik Szoboszlai fears emerge as Liverpool star faces anxious Euro 2024 wait
Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai is facing an anxious wait over his place at Euro 2024 after appearing to suffer a worrying injury on the eve of the tournament.
Szoboszlai is one of several Reds stars who will be looking to impress at the European Championships this summer in Germany. The 23-year-old is part of the Hungary squad for this year's tournament, but there may be concerns about the midfielder's fitness.
Saturday saw Hungary play Israel in the country's final friendly match before the tournament. Hungary claimed a 3-0 win with a brace from Barnabas Varga being supported by a goal from Roland Sallai.
MORE HERE.
Mark Wakefield
More Liverpool transfer rumours
Latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip with updates on Atalanta midfielder Ederson and PSV Eindhoven forward Johan Bakayoko
MORE HERE.
Mark Wakefield
Liverpool face competition for Florian Wirtz transfer
Liverpool may face competition from Real Madrid for the signing of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
According to German outlet Sport Bild, Real Madrid do have an interest in signing Wirtz and plan to make their move in 2025.
It has been stated that the La Liga giants will hope to sign Wirtz and bring Alonso to the club as manager to replace Carlo Ancelotti in 12 months' time.
Liverpool have previously been mentioned as showing an interest in signing Wirtz, but Real are thought to be keen to add the playmaker to their squad a year after signing Kylian Mbappe
The report states that Wirtz could cost €130 million (£110 million) for any club interest in signing him next summer.
Mark Wakefield
William Saliba makes Virgil van Dijk comparison
William Saliba has lavished praise on Virgil van Dijk ahead of the European Championships this summer.
Speaking to French publication L’Equipe ahead of Euro 2024 in Germany, the Arsenal defender spoke highly of the Liverpool captain's commanding presence on the pitch.
"I'm not the guy who talks much, but I talk more and more. I'm making progress on that point," said Saliba.
"In defence at Arsenal, I'm one of the leaders. Van Dijk has aura. He's the boss. He commands everything. You can feel he's scaring strikers away. And I'm starting to feel the same way."
Mark Wakefield
Jurgen Klopp spotted with Brendan Rodgers in surprise meeting
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been snapped alongside predecessor Brendan Rodgers in Spain as the German makes the most of his time away from football.
The 56-year-old arrived at Anfield in October 2015 following the dismissal of Rodgers, who went on to manage Celtic and Leicester City. Klopp is taking a break away from the game after his own exit from Liverpool following his trophy-laden tenure.
Rodgers is meanwhile celebrating a double after guiding Celtic to league and cup triumphs last season in what is his second stint at the club. The Northern Irishman met with a journalist in Spain reporting for a Belfast publication, who managed to meet two ex-Liverpool managers in one visit.
MORE HERE.
Mark Wakefield
Latest Liverpool transfer rumours
Liverpool continue to be linked with several potential new signings ahead of the summer transfer window.
Isaac Johnson has put together some of the latest rumours that have been doing the rounds in the last 24 hours.
MORE HERE.
Isaac Johnson
Liverpool linked with Bakayoko
Journalist Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool are taking an interest in PSV Eindhoven right winger Johan Bakayoko.
It is said that as many as six clubs are tracking the 21-year-old, who notched 14 goals and 14 assists in 48 games last season.
Liverpool are not thought to have made any advancements towards his transfer yet, with the apparent interests of several clubs in England and Germany potentially sparking a bidding war.
Isaac Johnson
Ederson price tag 'outlined'
Earlier, we brought you reports that suggestions that Liverpool had tabled a bid for Atalanta midfielder Ederson were false.
Italian outfit Corriere dello Sport has now moved the story on a bit and says the Serie A club will consider offers around the €50m (£42.5m) region.
It claims Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle are all keeping tabs on the Brazilian, who lifted the Europa League trophy with Atalanta last month.
Isaac Johnson
Mac Allister gives update on future
Alexis Mac Allister insists he is content at Liverpool amid recent links of Real Madrid interest.
The midfielder, who arrived at Anfield a year ago today, enjoyed a fruitful miaden season in red and is quite pleased with the situation he finds himself in ahead of the Arne Slot era.
"Everything works well, it is not a club with big egos and everyone tries to help you as much as they can," Mac Allister began.
Isaac Johnson
Liverpool 'told' Kvaratskhelia availability
Reports from Italy claim that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will not be sold by Napoli this summer.
The Georgia international had at one stage been linked with a move to Anfield, and rumours suggest that the player is still receiving interest from the Premier League.
However, it seems Napoli are intent on extending Kvaratskhelia's contract given fellow star Victor Osimhen is due to leave the club this summer.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 11, 2024Napoli president De Laurentiis has no intention to sell Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this summer.
Despite interest from PL clubs and PSG, Napoli want to keep Kvara as Osimhen is expected to leave — PSG also keen.
Napoli will push to extend Kvara’s contract as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/x4JiIxnDlc
Isaac Johnson
Goalkeeper 'halts' contract talks
Adrian has reportedly shelved contract talks with Liverpool amid interest from Real Betis.
The 37-year-old, who has not played since the 2022 Community Shield final, has been offered a new deal by the Reds, with his current contract set to expire at the end of this month.
However, Mundo Deportivo claims that the shot-stopper is already in talks with Betis over a potential move and has consequently paused contract negotiations at Anfield.
Isaac Johnson
Rodrygo latest
There is growing speculation that Real Madrid star Rodrygo could exit Los Blancos this summer due to Kylian Mbappe's arrival.
The Brazilian has been consequently linked with Liverpool, while Manchester City have been framed as the most interested party.
Rodrygo - set to play for Brazil in this summer's Copa America - opened up on the surrounding transfer talk this week.
“This week some media said about bids, clubs, interest. I don’t know anything about it and I’m not interested.
“Even if there are proposals, I have no idea about that… I’m staying. I’m happy here. How can I leave Real Madrid."
Isaac Johnson
What has Minteh said about his future?
Liverpool have been linked with holding interest in Newcastle United winger Yankuba Minteh, who is reportedly being priced at £40m.
The attacker, 19, worked under Arne Slot while on loan at Feyenoord last season, with the manager - as seen in an earlier post - very complimentary of his assets.
Minteh gave an update on his future last month ahead of his return to St James' Park.
He told Voetbal International:
"At the moment, I don’t know what will happen. How the [Feyenoord] supporters treat me is very special, but I don’t know at the moment whether I will leave or stay. We’ll see what the future brings."
Isaac Johnson
Kimmich possibility
Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfielders already this summer, with expectations that Arne Slot will source a new central player.
He could possibly look for a new defensive midfielder, having often played with two pivots at Feyenoord. Reports now state that Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich will be allowed to leave if the right offer arrives.
Kimmich played 26 of his 43 appearances last season in defensive midfield, before reverting to right-back for the final few months of the campaign. The Reds have been tentatively linked with the German before.
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 7, 2024Excl. | At FC Bayern, numerous potential transfers have been prepared, but sales are urgently needed. It has now been decided that six players, among others, are allowed to leave the club if suitable offers come in!
1. De Ligt
2. Kimmich
3. Goretzka
4. Coman
5. Gnabry… pic.twitter.com/9kfrEQBz9k
Isaac Johnson
United 'to rival' Liverpool for midfielder
Manchester United are reportedly willing to challenge Liverpool and Juventus for the signature of Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners this summer.
Calciomercato says United are ready to splash £51m on the Dutchman, if they can convince him to join. The Red Devils have weakened transfer pull compared to Liverpool this summer given their lack of Champions League football next season.
As referenced earlier, reports elsewhere moot that Juventus are ahead on the race for the playmaker, and are advancing in talks for Koopmeiners.
Isaac Johnson
Liverpool bid for Ederson 'false'
Reports that Liverpool have tabled a bid for Atalanta star Ederson are premature, says journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speculation this week mooted that the Reds had submitted a significant offer for the Brazilian, with Arne Slot tipped to search for defensive midfielders this summer.
It is thought that Atalanta are due to put up a tough fight to keep Ederson, who also risk losing Teun Koopmeiners amid similar links with Liverpool.
Isaac Johnson
Luis Diaz asking price 'set'
A report from Diario AS claims Liverpool have slapped a €75m (£68.3m) price tag on Luis Diaz, should any club wish to pursue his transfer.
Liverpool are in no rush to secure his future with three years still left on his Anfield contract, despite persistent links with Barcelona.
Such a price is likely to be too expensive for the La Liga giants, who are battling spending restrictions amid their mass debt.
Ian Doyle
Truth on Van den Berg rumours
Greetings from the ECHO sports desk.
Just a reminder that Mainz aren't actually that close to signing Sepp van den Berg at all. Saying there are negotiations ongoing would be a bit of a stretch given the Bundesliga side are still a long way off meeting Liverpool's valuation of the player, which is around £20million.
There are, of course, other clubs interested in the centre-back, including ones from Germany. Unless one of the two sides shifts their stance shortly or another potential suitor swoops in for a big offer, this could be a transfer tale that runs and runs.
Isaac Johnson
Reds 'behind' in race for Koopmeiners
Juventus have reportedly stolen a march on Liverpool in the race for Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners.
Fabrizio Romano says the Italian giants are already 'advancing' in personal terms with the Dutch playmaker, which could deal a second headache for Liverpool.
It's suggested that Atalanta only wish to allow one player to leave this summer, damaging any hopes of luring midfielder Ederson to Anfield.
Isaac Johnson
Slot's view on Minteh
Arne Slot worked with Liverpool-linked Yankuba Minteh at Feyenoord last year during his loan spell and had positive things to say about the Newcastle winger.
He predicted that, should he continue his upwards trajectory in form, big things could await him.
Speaking to Dutch media about Minteh in March, Slot said:
“If you are that fast, it is a huge weapon. One action and he is gone, then you will not catch up with him again.
“I think that his choices are already improving in the final phase. The bad thing for us is that if his choices become really good, he will probably no longer play for us.”
Isaac Johnson
Liverpool 'willing' to secure £8m transfer
Liverpool are said to be willing to part with £8m in order to secure the services of FC Midtjylland winger Dario Osorio.
A report from Latercera claims the Reds are admirers of the 20-year-old from Chile, who already has eight caps for his country.
Osorio is considered a versatile option able to play on either wing and has been known to lead the line too. He is said to be attracting interest from across Europe with his performances in Denmark.
Isaac Johnson
More on Minteh
Good morning Reds, let's start by giving you more information on the speculation around Yankuba Minteh.
The Telegraph, who reports Liverpool's interest, says Newcastle would reluctantly allow the winger to leave for around £40m. He only cost £6.5m last summer.
The Magpies are battling spending limits this summer and may allow of a number of unwanted exits to keep within finance rules, including Minteh. The 19-year-old scored 11 goals and registered six assists for Arne Slot's Feyenoord while on loan last season.
KEY EVENT
Liverpool 'express interest' in Minteh
According to reports emerging this evening, Liverpool are among a number of clubs to have registered an interest in signing Newcastle youngster Yankuba Minteh.
It is being reported in The Telegraph that the Reds, whose head coach Arne Slot managed Minteh while he was on loan at Feyenoord last season, could have to fork out around £40m for the Gambia ace.
In only 27 matches last season he scored ten goals and registered five assists, piquing the interests of clubs across Europe with Newcastle, mindful of financial fair play requirements, now said to be considering a sale.
Richard Cusack
Trent on for England
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been introduced into England's game against Iceland at Wembley with 25 minutes to go as Gareth Southgate's side look to come back from 1-0 down in their final warm-up game before Euro 2024.
It's been far from a classic display from the Three Lions and they'll need to improve their performance levels considerably for the tournament, which begins in a week's time.
Richard Cusack
Darwin still buzzing over hat-trick
Darwin Nunez is clearly still buzzing about his hat-trick for Uruguay against Mexico earlier this week - and for good reason too.
Nunez is flying under Marcelo Bielsa for his country and if he can replicate the form shown for his country so far this summer with the Reds next season, then it is time to get excited.
Nunez has re-posted a graphic on the Uruguay national team's official Instagram account breaking down his stunning treble in the USA.
Kieran King
Betis offer for Adrian
Real Betis are reportedly interested in signing Adrian.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Adrian has put a new contract offer from Liverpool 'aside' as a return to La Liga has been mooted for the experienced goalkeeper.
Kieran King
Fowler on Nunez
Robbie Fowler believes Darwin Nunez is "trying too hard" and admitted he needs to stay calmer in front of goal in order to succeed at Liverpool.
He told the ECHO: "[My opinion] is probably no different to what everyone is going to give you. With Darwin Nunez, he will score goals and he will be a handful but to what level I don't know and it is entirely up to him that, isn't it?"
He added: "He is trying too hard at times. Will he get to the level that we hope or think? I don't think that he will and that's not being a knock on him and I am not being derogatory because I would never do that, he is a Liverpool player and I want him to be the very best, but he just needs to go back to delivering what he was doing when he was younger, the basics I've seen and then not trying all the technically unbelievable, once-in-a-lifetime things. He does seem to think about things too much and I am not sure you can as a forward."
Kieran King
Liverpool prepare Osorio offer
Liverpool are reportedly preparing an 'important offer' to sign Midtjylland youngster Dario Osorio.
That is according to La Terceca, who claim Liverpool are willing to offer around £7.9million plus a future percentage for the Chilean forward.
Kieran King
Liverpool monitor Rodrygo
Liverpool are several other Premier League clubs are 'monitoring' the situation of Rodrygo at Real Madrid ahead of a potential summer swoop.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the English teams that are most interested in signing the Brazilian this summer are Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal.