Liverpool transfer news: Bakayoko endorsement, Mbeumo drops hint, Nunez 'should go'

Liverpool transfer news: Bakayoko endorsement, Mbeumo drops hint, Nunez 'should go'

Liverpool is braced for a busy first summer under new manager Arne Slot and transfer questions remain lingering over several stars such as Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez

The summer transfer window is not far away, and it looks set to be a fascinating summer at Liverpool. A new era has arrived with Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp, and the movement might not be consigned to just the dugout.

There's no doubt there will be some incomings and outgoings as there are in any summer window, but who they involve is currently anyone's guess. There are question marks surrounding the futures of big names Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold as they enter the final year of their contracts, while Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz have also been linked with the exit.

But several names have also been linked with moves to strengthen Slot's squad at Anfield. Young Lille defender Leny Yoro is one name that has been mentioned, as well as Atalanta midfielders Ederson and Teun Koopmeiners. Throw in some customary links with some of Slot's top performers at his former club, Feyenoord, and there's no shortage of gossip surrounding the Reds.

Stay tuned to the live blog as we bring you the latest transfer news from around Anfield.

Gimenez 'gives Spurs green light'

Santiago Gimenez has been linked with Liverpool after playing a big part up front for Feyenoord under Arne Slot. However, it's now been claimed he is increasingly likely to join Tottenham.

According to TEAMtalk, there is a strong possibility he will leave the Dutch club as long as someone meets its £38.4million asking price.

And reports in Mexico, via TEAMtalk, claim he will opt for a move to Spurs over other interested parties such as Liverpool, AC Milan and Southampton if the chance arises.

Bent's striker advice

Darren Bent has advised Ivan Toney to jump at the chance to join Liverpool if it ever came up - but says a player such as Ollie Watkins should have second thoughts.

Bent said on TalkSPORT: "If he [Watkins] was going from a middle of the road club that had finished top ten to go to Liverpool I’d go ‘yes, jump at the chance'.

"Different scenario, Ivan Toney. Liverpool come for Ivan Toney, I’d be screaming at the radio ‘you have to go.’ Brentford, didn’t really do that well this season. For Toney, I’d be like ‘oh my goodness, this opportunity night never come again you have to go’.

"Watkins is playing for a club in the Champions League. Fantastic football club, massive fan base. I would hold off."

Liverpool 'in a good place' to spend

Liverpool is "in a good place" to spend money this transfer window, according to a football finance expert.

While football clubs are wary of profit and sustainability rules, Dr Dan Plumley, a sport finance expert at Sheffield Hallam University, says the Reds are among the teams in a healthy position.

"If you look into the data we can see, Liverpool and Arsenal are two clubs who can always spend if they want to," he told the Daily Express. "Liverpool are in a good place against the regulations as they stand.

"They have a new manager and are, you’d think, a team in transition so it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that we will see some significant spends this summer and it will be the bigger clubs who are dominating that because they are in the position to do so. There is a bit more wariness in the market, generally, with everything so up in the air regarding certain regulations.”

'Next Ronaldino' in Premier League talks

Liverpool is one of many clubs that has been linked with Palmeiras youngster Luis Guilherme. The 18-year-old has been likened to Ronaldinho in Brazil in a signal of his talent.

But it appears he may be heading elsewhere. According to Sky Sports News, Premier League rivals West Ham are in talks to bring the teenager to England.

Bakayoko review

Liverpool has been given a glowing review of Johan Bakayoko, after the striker gave a cryptic response on his future after being linked with the Reds. Eindhovens Dagblad reported this week that Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund were among the sides monitoring the 21-year-old ahead of a possible move.

Rik Elfrink, who covers PSV for Eindhovens Dagblad, has told he is "one of the biggest talents in Europe" in a glowing assessment.

Coutinho and Thiago reunion?

Philippe Coutinho and Thiago Alcantara are no longer Liverpool players - but Reds fans will still be interested in what their futures hold.

Coutinho is believed to want an emotional return to Vasco da Gama in Brazil, while the same team has also been linked with Thiago Alcantara after his Anfield exit. Their president, Pedrinho, has addressed both possible transfers.

Regarding a deal for Coutinho, he said, speaking to UOL: "Coutinho’s presence causes an uproar. Inside my house too, my son asks every day!. But, being very truthful, he obviously has a contract with Aston Villa. The most important thing is that he is very interested in coming to Vasco. And we are very interested in bringing this great player and fan idol.

"Now, this is not an easy move. A positive development is that both parties have a lot of interest. This week, probably after Vasco versus Flamengo (on Sunday), I will have a meeting with him. And then we will have a greater direction.

"So far, just phone conversations. Now, when we sit down and talk, we will understand reality. And then, yes, think about the next step."

Asked if he could be joined by Thiago, he added: "The only conversation we had was with Philippe Coutinho. We didn’t have any other conversations with any other player.

"And we need to be very truthful, transparent and realistic with the fans. I will truly explain what the likely investment prospects are."

Fabregas recommendation in Arsenal talks

Youssouf Fofana was recommended to Liverpool by Cesc Fabregas a few years ago - but now he's reportedly in talks with Premier League rivals Arsenal.

According to the French outlet L'Equipe, Arsenal, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and PSG are all in talks over a move for AS Monaco midfielder with the 25-year-old expected to leave the Ligue 1 side this summer.

Only under contract for one more year in France, his side is prepared to cash in. A couple of seasons ago, Fabregas told RMC Sport: "I would like to see (Youssouf) Fofana, (Sofiane) Diop or (Aurelien) Tchouameni at Bayern or Liverpool!"

Mbeumo has told Liverpool what he wants

Bryan Mbeumo has dropped a clear hint over a summer transfer after being linked with Liverpool.

And he's already outlined what he wants from his next club - someone that can help him win the Champions League.

Speaking to the Evening Standard back in August, he declared: “I would like the win the Champions League. Anything is possible.”

Richards rates Murillo

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo has caught the eye this season and Liverpool is one club that has been tentatively linked with a move.

Speaking on 'The Rest is Football Podcast' on Friday, former Manchester City star Micah Richards expressed his high opinion of the defender.

"The centre-half, Murillo, he is a player," he declared. "He's got a lovely left-foot, the way he comes out (of defence) and breaks the lines, I think they've got some great players."

Bakayoko gives cryptic response

Johan Bakayoko has given a cryptic response when asked where he'll be playing football next season. The PSV Eindhoven striker, who has been linked with Liverpool, refused to commit his future to the Dutch club.

“The only thing I can say is that next year I will be on a football pitch somewhere,” Bakayoko told Dutch newspaper Het Belang van Limburg, via the Liverpool Echo.

Mbeumo drops hint

Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo has dropped a clear hint he could be on the move to a big club this summer.

According to L'Equipe, Liverpool and Newcastle United have both looked at the forward, who scored nine Premier League goals last season, ahead of the upcoming window. And Mbuemo addressed his future in comments that hint he would be open to an Anfield switch.

"I've spent five seasons at Brentford, in a club that knew how to help me grow and take a step forward," he told the French outlet. "I want to play in the biggest competitions, in the best clubs. It’s still enticing to see some big teams interested in me. We'll see."

Nunez 'should go'

What should Liverpool do with Darwin Nunez? It's a conundrum entering the summer - and Jonathan Morley reckons it is time for the Reds to cut their losses.

Writing for Liverpool.com, the Liverpool fan and TikTok personality explained why he believes the Uruguayan should go this summer - and named his dream replacement.

Prem trio eyes Guimaraes

Liverpool has been named as one of three Premier League clubs keen on Bruno Guimaraes.

According to AS (via Anfield Watch), they are joined by Arsenal and Manchester City in keeping an eye on the situation involving the Brazilian midfielder. Newcastle United may be required to sell to comply with profit and sustainability rules after missing out on Champions League football.

Paris Saint-Germain is also said to be interested, while City is reported as the most keen Premier League club at present as Pep Guardiola eyes midfield reinforcements.

Saudi Pro League eyes Liverpool duo

The Saudi Pro League circling for Liverpool stars is nothing new. And after trying to sign Mohamed Salah last summer, two more players are now on the radar.

According to the Daily Mail, the league has identified Luis Diaz and Joe Gomez as two of its targets in its latest summer of aggressive transfer spending. Both players, aged 27, are in their prime and viewed as players the league would love to add this summer.

With Salah and Alisson Becker also reported to be on the Saudi wishlist, Liverpool may have to fend off some more lucrative proposals to keep its first-team stars this summer.

Vinicius Jr 'made Liverpool plea'

Vinicius Jr reportedly wanted Real Madrid to move for one of Liverpool's outgoing stars last summer.

According to UOL Esporte, the Brazilian asked Los Blancos to sign his international teammate Roberto Firmino. However, the club decided not to act as he departed Anfield.

Instead, Firmino headed to the Saudi Pro League. What could have been if he had moved to Spain, where Real Madrid is now preparing for another Champions League final...

Summerville stance

Liverpool has been linked to one of the Championship's standout performers, Crysensio Summerville, since Leeds United failed to gain promotion after losing the playoff final to Southampton.

The winger has no shortage of admirers, but the Mirror reports that Liverpool has decided it will not pursue a move in the Dutch talent.

Summerville may be on the move with Leeds likely to need to sell, but an Anfield switch does not appear to be on the cards.

Darwin Nunez latest

The future of Darwin Nunez has been a big talking point since the last few weeks of the season. The club-record signing fell out of favour late in Jurgen Klopp's reign and deleted Liverpool-related images from his social media accounts.

Since then, he's been tentatively linked with Barcelona, but things have gone quiet. For the time being, he is preparing for a big summer at the Copa America.

The striker will have a big part to play for Uruguay. And while his presence at that tournament might complicate any potential transfer dealings, it could also be exactly what he needs to rediscover his confidence.