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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Tom Cavilla

Kylian Mbappe transfer plan emerges as Liverpool midfield 'target' breaks silence on future

Liverpool are in need of a successful transfer window this summer as Jurgen Klopp's side aim to improve on an underwhelming 2022/23 season.

The signing of Alexis Mac Allister has offered supporters hope the Reds' shortcomings in midfield could soon be addressed, having struck a deal to sign the Argentina international from Brighton earlier this week.

Mac Allister arrives at Anfield with Premier League and international experience, offering an instant upgrade on the current Liverpool midfield and is likely to come straight into the starting eleven next term.

But just who else could be on their way to Anfield? We have taken a look at the latest rumours relating to the Reds...

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Ward-Prowse interest

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, but are only willing to pay half of the Saints' £50million asking price.

Recently relegated with the south coast club, Ward-Prowse is one of the standout players in the Southampton squad expected to move on this summer as they prepare for life in the second tier.

A report by the Daily Mail has stated the Reds are 'willing to play the waiting game' over the 28-year-old, who is under contract until 2026.

The report adds Liverpool 'would be tempted' to sign Ward-Prowse at £25m, though are set to face competition from Newcastle and West Ham. Ward-Prowse does not have a relegation clause in his contract.

Veiga breaks silence on transfer links

Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga is being linked with a whole host of European sides after a stellar season in La Liga. Scoring a brace versus Barcelona to help keep Celta afloat in the top flight marked, perhaps, his most impressive feat to date, leaving some supporters wondering if this could prove to be his final act for the club.

Liverpool have emerged as a potential destination for the 21-year-old in recent weeks, with a recent report suggesting Klopp's side are 'firm favourites' to win the race for Veiga ahead of Newcastle United.

Currently preparing to represent Spain in the U-21s Euros, the youngster was asked to clarify his future and told SPORT: "It was a spectacular season, what I did is a dream, and in the club of my life, and I'm happy about it. Right now I don't think about the future, the present is the national team, the only thing I can say is that I go through the European Championship and then win it."

Perez backs Mbappe move

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is confident of signing Kylian Mbappe, though admitted he does not expect a deal to be done this year.

Mbappe looked set to sign for Los Blancos last year, only to then sign a contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain, though it seems the Spanish giants have not yet given up hope of recruiting the French forward.

The recent departure of Karim Benzema has left a gaping hole to fill in Real's attack and Mbappe remains the obvious candidate to take on the role of being the club's talisman.

Perez is seemingly still keen on the 24-year-old and made his stance on pursuing the 2018 World Cup winner clear when approaching by a fan in the street. Asked if Real are going to sign Mbappe, the 76-year-old responded: “Yes, but not this year.”

Liverpool are unlikely to be in the race for the prolific striker on this occasion, though have shown an interest in his services in the past. Mbappe has previously confirmed he held discussions with the Reds prior to putting pen to paper on a new contract in Paris ahead of the 2022/23 season, telling the Telegraph last May: “We talked a little bit, but not too much. We talked a little bit."

Talks were also held between the Reds and Mbappe prior to his move from Monaco to PSG in 2017, as made clear by the five-time Ligue 1 winner. “I talked to Liverpool because it’s the favourite club of my mum, my mum loves Liverpool," he said. "I don’t know why, you will have to ask her! “It’s a good club and we met them five years ago. When I was in Monaco I met them. It’s a big club."

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