Andoni Iraola is getting his first look at his new Liverpool squad after the Reds returned to pre-season and transfer talks continue to intensify
Liverpool have returned to pre-season as Andoni Iraola takes his first look at his new squad, giving the Spaniard the perfect opportunity to prioritise any transfers.
Iraola has already welcomed the arrivals of new signings Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, though the former’s transfer was sealed last January while Arne Slot remained in charge. However, the Reds are still looking to land a blockbuster signing to replace Mohamed Salah, and a new midfielder arrival is also a target that is edging closer.
Liverpool’s midfield was a constant source of problems last season and a World Cup star has emerged as a favourite among the club’s transfer chiefs. Here, the Daily Star Sport examines the latest transfer rumours surrounding the Reds.
Pursuit of World Cup star
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Liverpool’s interest in Manu Kone has allegedly been rekindled years after initially being linked with the Frenchman. The Roma star was first connected with a switch to Anfield during Jurgen Klopp’s reign, with reports resurfacing just a day after Andoni Iraola conducted his inaugural press conference as Liverpool manager.
According to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, the Premier League heavyweights are keen to recruit Kone – who is presently representing France at the World Cup – for their midfield, with Roma facing considerable financial pressures. The Serie A outfit need to generate £42million (€50m) to comply with UEFA’s financial fair play requirements.
Kone had attracted attention from Atletico Madrid, who were reportedly confident of wrapping up a £38m (€45m) deal for the 25-year-old.
Yet Roma have now supposedly hiked Kone’s asking price to £51m (€60m) after UEFA granted them an additional month beyond their July 1 deadline. Liverpool’s engine room endured a torrid campaign last term, with both Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch suffering significant dips in performance.
Curtis Jones update
Curtis Jones’ future has remained uncertain throughout much of the summer, with the 25-year-old attracting considerable attention from Inter Milan. The Serie A champions reportedly saw a £27m offer knocked back for the midfielder last month, with the Reds placing a £35m price tag on his head.
With summer transfer activity expected to intensify following Sunday’s World Cup final, Inter have accelerated talks by submitting a fresh approach for Jones via intermediaries, according to Ben Jacobs.
Amid the speculation surrounding his future, Iraola confessed his desire to keep Jones at Anfield this summer. Speaking on Monday, the Spaniard revealed: “I will have the chance to speak with him today.
“I rate Curtis very highly. For me, he is a great, great player, and I hope he can continue with us and continue performing the way he has been performing. It’s very important that he’s Scouse, that he’s from here.”