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Liverpool want to sign both Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz, while Luis Diaz could leave Anfield this summer

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George Flood2 minutes ago

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Liverpool have reportedly scheduled fresh talks over Florian Wirtz this week, while Milos Kerkez has also addressed speculation over a switch to Anfield amid a possible new hint on Luis Diaz’s future.

The reigning Premier League champions are wasting no time this summer after the opening of a first mini 10-day transfer window on Sunday, already confirming the £29.5million arrival of Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong as the replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, whom Real Madrid are signing early for a £10m fee ahead of the Club World Cup.

Liverpool want Wirtz to join his former Bayer Leverkusen team-mate at Anfield, having been locked in talks over beating Bayern Munich to what would be a blockbuster signing and a real statement of intent ahead of next season’s title defence.

Two bids are believed to have been tabled for the 22-year-old so far, the second of which was said to have totalled up to £109million including bonuses.

However, that offer was not accepted by Leverkusen as negotiations continued, with Sky Germany reporting on Sunday that the deposed Bundesliga champions - now managed by former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, appointed after Xabi Alonso’s move to Real Madrid - wanted either Jarell Quansah or Harvey Elliott as part of the deal, while BILD said Leverkusen were looking for €150m (£126.4m) for their top attacking talent.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano then reported on Monday that Liverpool have scheduled a fresh round of talks over Wirtz - whose parents also held talks with Manchester City last month before they eventually dropped out of the race - this week, remaining confident and optimistic of securing an agreement soon.

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Having quickly filled the void on the right side of their defence, Liverpool are also pursuing their long-term successor to left-back stalwart Andy Robertson, with discussions rumoured to be underway with Bournemouth over Milos Kerkez.

Addressing such interest in a new interview, the Hungarian international told MLSZ TV that he was in contact with compatriot and Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai “every other day”, adding: “Of course, something always leaks into the news.

I don't know how.

“At the same time, I think it's normal that if you play well and the team does well, then you get into the news and end up on the front page, and everyone talks about you.

“I see this as fuel that drives me forward.

All this doesn't break me, but it doesn't 'boost' my ego either, but it teaches me humility and motivates me.”

One player who could leave Liverpool this summer is Luis Diaz.

The Colombian forward was a key part of the team that clinched the title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge, scoring 17 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions.

However, he has been linked with both Barcelona and a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, where former Liverpool star Sadio Mane also currently plays.

Some fans have now speculated if a heartfelt message from Diaz’s partner posted on social media at the weekend could be interpreted as a potential farewell.

“To the incredible Liverpool fans,” Gera Ponce wrote on Instagram on Sunday, along with a picture of Diaz and his family in front of The Kop on the final day of the season.

There’s no doubt: they’re the best in the world.

“This is a real bond, deep and strong, that reaffirms that we’ll never walk alone.”

MORE ABOUT

Florian Wirtz

Milos Kerkez

Luis Diaz

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