Hello and welcome to our LIVE Liverpool transfer blog for Wednesday, August 23.
Reports in Germany claim Liverpool transfer target Ryan Gravenberch has been impressing his Bayern Munich team-mates in training despite starting the season on the bench for the Bundesliga champions. Elsewhere, Reds youngster Mateusz Musialowski is being linked with a move to Austria, having failed to kick on with the under-21s in recent seasons and therefore seeing his involvement with the first team limited.
Positively, though, ahead of this weekend’s game at Newcastle United, both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz were pictured in training on Tuesday.
Leroy Sane and Federico Chiesa eyed as Mohamed Salah replacement
According to Calciomercato, Bayern Munich attacker Leroy Sane is being considered as a replacement for Mohamed Salah.
It has been claimed that the German could be subject to an approach from Liverpool next year, to replace their Egyptian star.
As per the Italian outlet, Federico Chiesa is also a player of interest.
“Amrabat will work separately”
Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano has revealed that Sofyan Amrabat will remain at Florence on an individual programme, amid Liverpool links.
The Reds had been mooted with a move for the Moroccan midfielder, prior to the move for Wataru Endo.
Amrabat won’t be involved for the Viola in their Conference League playoff against Rapid Vienna.
“Amrabat will work separately, he remained in Florence and in these two days he will follow his own programme,” he said..
Andre breaks silence
Brazil international Andre admits he is happy to be linked with Liverpool – but insists he mind remains focused on Fluminense at present.
The 22-year-old midfielder emerged as a target for the Reds as they continue a midfield revamp that has already seen the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endu this summer.
Liverpool held initial talks earlier this month with Fluminense over the player, with reports in Brazil suggesting they are preparing an offer of around £25million plus add-ons.
The Brazilian side, though, are adamant they will not allow Andre to leave during the summer transfer window given they remain in the hunt to win the Copa Libertadores – the South American equivalent of the Champions League – for the first time in their history.
And the player is not allowing himself to be distracted despite welcoming the news of offers from Europe, with Fulham having been interested in January and Sporting Lisbon also tracking the player.
Kalvin Phillips stance
In Liverpool’s search for another midfielder, reports have suggested that Kalvin Phillips could be on their radar. The England international was previously linked with a move to Merseyside during his days at Leeds United.
Phillips, of course, went on to sign for Manchester City, where he has struggled for regular game time. It’s a situation that could become even worse if City snap up Wolves star Matheus Nunes, who unlike Phillips, was a confirmed transfer target for Liverpool in the past.
However, amid new rumours linking the 27-year-old to the Reds, Daily Mail journalist Jack Gaughan has stated that the player does not want to go anywhere.
“The latest on Kalvin Phillips is much the same: he doesn’t want to leave Man City,” Gaughan said. “He’s got a long contract and has said he wants to fight for that place.
“Whether he is given that opportunity is another matter entirely, he’s not played a single minute so far this season and saw youngsters come on ahead of him as they cruised at Burnley.
“He might have some big decisions to make in the near future. And beyond that, obviously the Euros are coming up next year, so does his thinking change in January?”
Florent Malouda weighs up Liverpool chances
Former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has tipped Liverpool to finish in the top four.
The Reds got their first Premier League win on Saturday as they overcame AFC Bournemouth.
Their top four rivals look set to be Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side suffered defeat to West Ham while the Citiziens overcame the Magpies.
Liverpool visit St James’ Park looking to pick up success Premier League wins and Malouda believes Jurgen Klopp’s side will return to the Champions League this season.
He told Betway: “I think Chelsea will struggle to get in the top-four – but I think they’ll still do it. Manchester City are above all teams in the league, then I would pick Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea after that.
“It’s a transition season for them, but I’d pick them over Man Utd. To make it in the top-four now is very difficult. City will be champions again.”
Manchester City looking at Liverpool-linked Nunes
Did anyone have this on their summer 2023 transfer window bingo card?
David Ornstein has claimed that Manchester City are exploring a deal for Matheus Nunes of Wolves.
The Portugal international was one of the first names linked with joining Jurgen Klopp’s ranks, even before the midfield issues emerged at the start of last season, though he signed for Wolves before Anfield interest materialised into anything concrete.
Amrabat dropped
Amid exit rumours with Liverpool, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid all linked, Sofyan Amrabat has been dropped from Fiorentina’s Europa Conference League qualifier on Thursday night.
Calcio Mercato report that the midfielder missed training today before the squad depart for Vienna. In their words, he ‘seems to be following the process of a player on the verge of being sold’.
The club then confirmed its list of players that are to travel to Austria for tomorrow’s fixture, with Amrabat not included. He was also absent from the side’s opening league fixture against Genoa last weekend.
