Liverpool news as the Reds begin plotting their summer transfer business
Arne Slot has both short and long-term issues to deal with(Image: Getty Images)
The international break came at a good time for Arne Slot, who has plenty on his plate before Liverpool’s return to action. The Reds visit Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals next weekend before the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final away to Paris Saint-Germain.
While the European form has been strong, the Reds’ domestic performances have been a cause for concern amid a deeply disappointing title defence. Five points off fourth-placed Aston Villa, the Reds may need to rely on the Premier League securing an extra spot to qualify for the Champions League, unless they win this season’s competition.
As well as filling the void created by Mohamed Salah’s impending departure, it’s clear the squad requires a revamp ahead of next season and transfer preparations will already be underway. Here’s a round-up of the latest Liverpool news…
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Red in battle for Suarez
The Reds and Newcastle have stepped up their interest in Luis Suarez – not that one – according to reports in Portugal. The Sporting striker is enjoying the season of his life since arriving from Almeria last summer.
The Colombian, 28, has scored 33 goals and seven assists in just 42 games to become one of the most coveted strikers in Europe. Portuguese title Correio da Manha reports Liverpool and Newcastle are showing ‘intense interest’ in the Suarez, who is contracted to the Lisbon club until 2030 and has a release clause of around £70million.
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There is said to be a general feeling around the club that it is only a matter of time before Suarez follows the man he replaced, Viktor Gyokeres, to the Premier League.
While the Reds may be reluctant to spend £70m on the player in his late 20s, there are suggestions Sporting could accept an offer of closer to £50m. That said, if Arsenal’s exhaustive pursuit of Gyokeres is anything to go by, expect Sporting to play hardball.
Luis Suarez of Sporting CP is enjoying a sensational season(Image: Getty Images)
PSG’s firm answer
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is being linked with a move to Anfield again. The Georgian is enjoying another superb season for PSG and will be looking to knock Slot’s side out of the Champions League next month.
With Salah heading for the exit door, Kvaratskhelia could be the heir to his throne, while Arsenal and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in the 25-year-old.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is back on Liverpool’s radar(Image: (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images))
The Independent recently reported that Kvaratskhelia’s camp is open to a move. However, PSG won’t let one of their key players leave without a fight.
According to TeamTalk, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have contacted the winger’s representatives, only to be told by the European champions that Kvaratskhelia is settled in Paris and not looking to leave.
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