Liverpool take on RB Salzburg on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s 2022/23 curtain raiser against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield, as Jurgen Klopp has enjoyed a full pre-season to work with his Reds’ squad following the succession of early transfer business.
And although no further signings are expected, there are still plenty of links to other players. However, an update has now been provided on their pursuit of Jude Bellingham for next summer, while the Reds are supposedly refusing to pay the release clause of reported target Nico Williams. Elsewhere, there has been a blow in the pursuit of Ajax winger Antony.
Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest transfer stories coming out of Anfield…
Dortmund to “go all in” to keep Bellingham
It is well known that Liverpool are huge admirers of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham are fully expected to pursue a deal for the England international next summer after being told that he is not available to buy this year.
But things could be about to get even more difficult for the Reds, with journalist Uli Köhler explaining Borussia Dortmund’s stance on the situation on Sky Sports News, with the German club set to do everything they can to keep hold of the midfielder no matter what.
Kohler said, via Liverpool World : “They [Borussia Dortmund] will put everything into keeping him. He’s an incredible player. He is the future of the England national team but also, Dortmund are hoping he’s the future of Borussia Dortmund. They will battle – they will go all in to keep him.”
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Liverpool won't pay Nico Williams release clause
Liverpool have been linked with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams of late as they continue to eye top talent for the future, although the Reds are set to stall in their attempts to seal a deal after it was revealed that they are currently refusing to pay his release clause.
According to Spanish news site, Diario AS, via SportBible, Jurgen Klopp's side can't take their eyes off the 20-year-old, who had a great 2020/21 season for the Bilbao B team after recording nine goals and 12 assists, before breaking into the first team last year and netting three times.
However, the Spanish news site claims Nico, who is the younger brother of Bilbao's star man, Inaki Williams, has a release clause of £42.4 million and it's unlikely the Reds will be able to fork out that much, having already spent close to £80 million so far this summer.
Reds receive Antony blow
In what had the potential to be one of the surprise transfer saga’s of the summer, Liverpool could be set to miss out on signing Ajax winger Antony, whether they were interested or not, after it was revealed that the Brazilian now favours a move to long-term admirers Manchester United.
The Red Devils have recently signed Lisandro Martinez from the Eredivisie champions and according to the The Daily Star, via The Faithful, the Argentine has been able to quadruple his wages by moving to Old Trafford, and now Antony also wants to boost his income by signing Erik ten Hag’s outfit.
The Reds aren’t said to be in the running for any more signings ahead of the upcoming season, despite losing three players from their forward line this summer, but now any chance of signing Antony could be over if reports are to be believed.
