Liverpool transfer news latest: Nicolas Pepe, Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt, Max Kruse and more
The Reds have identified targets who can bolster their Champions League-winning squad
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Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool‘s transfer activity has accelerated in the last few days as Jurgen Klopp looks to add to his Champions League winning squad.
Lille winger Nicolas Pepe, who scored 22 goals and added a further 11 assists in Ligue 1 last season, is thought to be top of the Reds’ transfer shortlist. A move for the 24-year-old Ivorian is valued at £59m, however, he most often plays on the right-wing - the position currently occupied by Mohamed Salah - meaning he may be forced into a central role.
Liverpool are also touted as “favourites” to sign coveted Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, according to reports in Portugal. Fernandes impressed in the Nations League final last night and has attracted interest from a hoard of European clubs, including Premier League champions Manchester City.
The Reds will not howeer prioritise the signing of Matthijs de Ligt, despite holding an interest in the 19-year-old centre-back. It would take in the region of £75m to sign the young defender from Ajax with fierce competition from Barcelona and Manchester United. Instead, Liverpool will focus on bolstering other areas of the squad with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip already able to occupy the central defensive berth next to Virgil van Dijk.
Klopp's side have also reportedly ended their interest in Werder Bremen captain Max Kruse as the club do not want to block the path of Rhian Brewster to the first team.
Frankfurt are reportedly keen to use the money generated from the sale of Luka Jovic to Real Madrid to fund a £25m move for Marko Grujic, according to Goal. The 23-year-old midfielder impressed on loan at Hertha Berlin last season and is being considered by a number of clubs, including Atletico Madrid.
Ryan Kent may be set for another loan deal after an impressive season at Rangers, however, Leeds are thought to hold an interest in the player which may thwart a return to Ibrox.
A number of the younger players will be ferried out on loan again this season. Ben Woodburn, Ovie Ejaria and Herbie Kane are all expected to join Championship sides. Ejaria is likely to return to Reading where he spent the latter half of last season.
Follow all the day's latest transfer news here.
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