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Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)

The next stage of Liverpool's pre-season preparations will see Arne Slot's side jet off to Hong Kong.

Under the difficult circumstances they played their opening summer friendly against Preston North End, winning 3-1 with poignant tributes made towards the 28-year-old and his brother, Andre Silva.

Making their Liverpool debuts at Deepdale were full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez and goalkeepers Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman.



READ MORE:Rodrygo has already explained reason behind Liverpool rejection amid fresh transfer linksREAD MORE:Liverpool transfer news LIVE - Alexander Isak battle, Luis Diaz future, Hugo Ekitike update

The quartet are part of Slot's first extensive recruitment drive as head coach at Anfield, one that has seen £217m-worth of talent drafted in on top of the team that won the latest Premier League campaign.

But supporters have been forced to wait to see Liverpool's £116m record signing Florian Wirtz in action as he was rested for the trip to Preston.

Stefan Bajcetic also deserves the opportunity to stake a claim.

Another player who would feature in the ECHO's dream squad to take on Milan is Luis Diaz.

As a look has been taken towards who could be sold, the most concrete interest has been established in Diaz more than any other Liverpool player.

Both Barcelona and Bayern Munich had seen approaches of interest rebuffed earlier this summer and now the German champions have ignored the not-for-sale sign that has metaphorically been put up outside of Anfield and tabled a €67.5m (£58.5m) offer for the winger, which was rejected immediately.

Diaz's 17 goals and eight assists last term made him one of Slot's most reliable in front of goal besides Mohamed Salah and when options at striker were injured, a newfound versatility to operate centrally proved crucial in spearheading the Premier League title charge.

If the correct fee can be agreed before the Milan game arrives then there should be no issue taken with that transfer, especially if it helps unlock the door to Slot's next lucrative signing.

Within the latest Liverpool transfer rumours, it is The Athletic's belief that an approach has been made towards Newcastle United officially outlining interest in the Premier League's second-top goalscorer last season, Alexander Isak.

In the ECHO's dream squad, Marc Guehi would feature but provided Crystal Palace open a worthwhile door for the England international's signing - if not then it is better to wait to land the most beneficial deal financially.

Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Armin Pecsi

Defenders: Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, Marc Guehi, Andy Robertson, Milos Kerkez

Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajcetic

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Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Federico Chiesa, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, Jayden Danns


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