As Liverpool pre-season continues with the Audi Cup, we continue to provide the latest transfer news and rumours from Merseyside.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that the Reds are preparing a bid of between £26million and £36million for Barcelona midfielder Rafinha, who has a release clause of £67million.
It is reported that Jurgen Klopp has instructed Michael Edwards to keep ahead of rivals Tottenham and Arsenal, who have also been linked with the Brazilian. The 24-year-old could also be key to any Barcelona deal for Philippe Coutinho, who is being strongly linked with a move to Barcelona.
It is also rumoured that Philippe Coutinho will plead with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to let him join Barcelona for £90million. The Brazil star is said to be desperate to link up with Lionel Messi and co at the Nou Camp, and will sit down with Klopp to set out his reasons for wanting to join them.
Apart from targeting Rafinha, Klopp is also rumoured to be targeting Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Christian Pulisic as a replacement as he is known to be a big fan of the 18-year-old USA international.
As Naby Keita chase hit the rocks, Renato Sanches has emerged as a genuine alternative for the Guinean midfielder.
After spending much time on Carlo Ancelotti’s bench last term, it is believed that the Germans feel a loan spell for the 19-year-old could be beneficial to all due to the abundant wealth of talent the Italian has in central areas.
Jurgen Klopp wants the box-to-box midfielder permanently after finally accepting that Red Bull Leipzig won’t part with Keita for any money. A loan move will make perfect sense as well since Klopp will be able to fill up the position he requires and when Keita’s release clause becomes active at the end of the season, Klopp can then get his man.
However, Liverpool will face competition from AC Milan and Premier League rivals Chelsea as Antonio Conte is interested in bringing the 19-year-old to Stamford Bridge despite already signing Tiemoue Bakoyoko this summer.
