Liverpool transfer news: Florian Wirtz deal could have implications amid Milos Kerkez update

Liverpool are hoping to conclude deals to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez once the summer transfer window re-opens

Liverpool are putting their foot down in the summer transfer window as they target the signings of Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez. The summer transfer window may have paused after an initial 10-day opening for business, but the Reds are keeping busy around the negotiating table.

Jeremie Frimpong has already arrived at Anfield, in addition to 20-year-old goalkeeper Armin Pecsi and Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will soon to join up with the Reds after a deal was agreed last summer with Valencia. And Arne Slot’s side are not happy to stop there, with some big deals still in the pipeline.

Liverpool remain locked in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over the signing of Wirtz, with a fourth and final offer worth around £118million expected to be concluded soon. Leverkusen have driven a hard bargain over their star player, but it still looks likely the deal will go through once the window re-opens on June 16.

Meanwhile, Kerkez is also edging towards Merseyside, with a £45m move from Bournemouth on the cards. For all the latest on Liverpool and their transfer dealings, just scroll down.

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Wirtz knock-on effect

Liverpool are committing a huge amount of money to sign Wirtz and it is likely to have implications. The signing of a new attacking star raises question marks over the current crop of players, including Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.

But while the Reds are keen to sell Nunez for the right price, they are understood to be keen to keep Diaz, who has two years left on his contract. Nevertheless, the links with Barcelona are continuing.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants are set to go ‘all out’ for the Colombian over the coming months after abandoning a move for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams. It is suggested that they believe Liverpool might be more open to selling later in the window to recoup the funds spent Frimpong and Wirtz.

Kerkez replacement found

Bournemouth have agreed a deal to sign a replacement for Kerkez, removing one of the stumbling blocks for a summer move. Stade Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert is poised to join the Cherries for £14.4m to become Kerkez’s like-for-like replacement.

They have beaten Nottingham Forest and Marseille to the 23-year-old’s signature in a move which will please Liverpool bosses. Sporting director Richard Hughes has been leading talks with Simon Francis over a deal for Kerkez, which is still expected to go through.

Bournemouth won’t stand in the way of the Hungary international, but want £45m for his signature. Kerkez withdrew from Hungary duty last week for ‘personal reasons’ and is keen to get the deal done.

Liverpool’s interest in Alvarez confirmed

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has issued a hands-off warning to clubs sniffing around star striker Julian Alvarez. Atleti paid £80m to sign the Argentina international from Manchester City last summer and were rewarded with a great debut season.

Now Simeone has moved to protect his asset, telling La Nacion: “It’s logical, I can’t imagine any other scenario. Julian is 25 years old, he’s an extraordinary player, with hunger, with enthusiasm, with humility, with work, with goals, with status.

“How could everyone not want him? And Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool… the best have to want him. And for us, Atletico fans, it should be a source of pride that everyone wants him.

“Why? Because he’s ours. And since he’s ours, we have to take care of him. We have to help him feel happy. How will he feel happy? By winning. And to get there, we all have to give 110 per cent. And not just for him, of course, but for everyone.”

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