Liverpool’s best transfer business of the lot has been tying down their key players to new contracts.

The Reds’ summer looked set to be a rather nervous one a few months ago as three key players looked set to depart as free agents.

Fast forward to now and the future of Liverpool is exciting, made better by captain Virgil van Dijk and star player Mohamed Salah committing their futures to the club for another two years at least.

'Caoimhin Kelleher is world class - Man Utd and Chelsea should have tried to sign him'	Liverpool may have a new top target to replace Luis Diaz as Rafael Leao offers transfer encouragement - opinion	Report: Liverpool stepping up interest in £40m forward who is desperate to follow in Salah's footsteps at Anfield

Liverpool may have lost Trent Alexander-Arnold along the way, but the statement signings that are being made indicate that Liverpool are certainly not getting down about it.

The Reds are not done yet there either, and one player who was previously linked to replace Salah could join to play alongside him.

READ MORE: Mohamed Salah preparing for Ballon d’Or disappointment as pundits turn back on Liverpool superstar

Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images

As many know, Liverpool like to track players over a long period of time to ensure they will hit the ground running at Anfield, and Takefusa Kubo is no different.

Kubo has been on Liverpool’s radar for a few years now, with Florian Plettenberg confirming that the 24-year-old could depart Real Sociedad this summer and is leaning towards a move to the Premier League.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

One factor that put Liverpool off last time was the Spanish club’s £50m asking price, but now they could have the perfect excuse to finally buy him as this has been reduced to as low as £25m.

Liverpool actually wanted Kubo over Federico Chiesa last summer, but after leaving it late, they felt the Italian was more easily accessible.

Now, with Chiesa set to leave Liverpool, the Reds might finally get the man they have been after for quite some time, with the Japanese international impressing many during his time in La Liga.

Kubo was once a member of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy before eventually playing for Real Madrid years later, suggesting he has some real talent.

After impressing in La Liga for over five seasons, many people hold the 24-year-old in high regard, with former Barcelona manager Xavi one of them.

“Trust me, Kubo is world-class player.

He scores goals and provides assists,” Xavi said.

“Kubo’s time at La Masia for Barça?

I wasn’t at the club at the time but we will come across these situations, for sure.”

Zinedine Zidane was also impressed with Kubo during his time at Madrid, highlighting how some of football’s best recognise just how good he is and why Liverpool should reignite their interest.