- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Liverpool are already confident that they have plenty of midfield cover with one teenager expected to make a big impact next season, HITC understands.
Thiago Alcantara will depart Liverpool upon the expiry of his contract but sources have told HITC that the Anfield club may not enter the transfer market at all to bolster their midfield department.
There had been a social media flurry over rumours linking Atalanta midfielder Ederson with a move to Merseyside as rumours began circulating that the deal to take the Brazilian to Anfield was ‘close’.
However, it is our understanding that there is very little in the rumours around the 24-year-old but he is a player that Liverpool have kept an eye on but that is all there is to it.
Liverpool’s midfield plan
Despite Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes having a good relationship with those at Atalanta, there is another name from the Italian side who the Reds have an interest in.
HITC understands that Ederson’s teammate Teun Koopmeiners was actually the preferred target from those at Anfield, but the Dutchman prefers a move to Juventus, with a move understood to be close.
It is our understanding that a midfielder may not be high on the list of targets for Arne Slot’s side.
The Anfield club believe that Spanish teenager Stefan Bajcetic, who was injured throughout the majority of the previous campaign, is someone who the Reds believe can shine.
As well as this, those at Liverpool believe that there options in the middle of the park are plentiful with Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold able to deputise.
Contract talks a priority
As it stands, a backup goalkeeper, a defender and a forward are understood to be the club’s priority targets for the summer but also contract renewals are said to be high on the list.
HITC have previously reported that Liverpool are keen to tie down Alexander-Arnold to a new deal and sources have reiterated that the right-back’s renewal is a big priority for the club.
Virgil Van Dijk could also be rewarded with a new contract but HITC understands that this will come after Alexander-Arnold.
Mohamed Salah remains a number one target for the Saudi Pro League, whilst Luis Diaz is understood to be keen on a new contract at Anfield.
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