The new season is swiftly approaching and Liverpool are starting to intensify their efforts to get deals done as soon as possible.

The Reds have finished their pre-season tour of Asia and they will soon put in their final preparations before their title defence commences.

Despite spending close to £300m this summer, Liverpool still feel a little light in certain areas of the pitch, with incomings still expected to occur, and big ones too.

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Outgoings will also occur but they may have to move the goalposts to make certain deals happen, with things really starting to heat up as we soon enter August.

Here is what happened on Thursday.

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Starting off with the transfer saga that has gripped the footballing world, and Alexander Isak is said to be confident that he will move to Liverpool and a deal will be struck.

Personal terms are not an issue and the Swede is desperate to make the move happen, although Newcastle are said to be unhappy with Liverpool for ‘playing the waiting game’.

The Magpies would like to sign Benjamin Sesko before discussing any deal, however, although Manchester United could have a say in this as he is also a target for them.

Either way, Isak wants Liverpool and has isolated himself from the team to try and force a move through, actions that Michael Owen has defended.

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Liverpool’s plan was always to sell Darwin Nunez this summer, but with Hugo Ekitike already through the door, with the club hoping Isak follows swiftly behind, his future looks certain to be away from Anfield.

In fact, the Reds are now open to loan offers for the Uruguayan, as long as they include an obligation to buy, something Juventus are looking into.

Their asking price has also slightly changed, with Liverpool wanting a minimum of £47.5m to let him go this summer.

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After an impressive pre-season thus far, he has probably attracted a few more teams, but either way, the Reds still plan on letting him go.

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Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images

After making his £65.5m move to Bayern Munich, questions have been raised as to whether Liverpool will choose to replace Luis Diaz or not.

Although this is still largely unclear, Slot admitted they would “not hesitate” if a market opportunity presented itself, suggesting it is a possibility.

However, coaches have been so impressed with Rio Ngumoha in pre-season that he might be the man, or boy in this case, that gets the nod as Diaz’s replacement instead.

Elsewhere, former Liverpool player Julian Dicks has admitted he never actually wanted to join the club, while former Red Raheem Sterling gave Ngumoha some advice that has helped turn him into the player he is today.
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