The early runnings are being made in what is expected to be a busy transfer window for Liverpool.

There may still be two matches left to play for the Reds, but focus is already turning towards recruitment.

Things appear to have stepped up in that regard at Anfield this week, with Bayer Leverkusen pair Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz installed as top targets for Liverpool.

Frimpong looks the more likely to join as things stand, with reports suggesting that Liverpool expect Wirtz to join Bayern Munich.

Romano explains why Liverpool gave up on Dean Huijsen and who they’re now targeting instead	Liverpool's Florian Wirtz back-up target is now clear after Fabrizio Romano confirms £63m 'plan' - opinion	“Here we go expected very soon” as Fabrizio Romano names new Liverpool transfer target

As well as at right-back and attacking midfield, the Reds are likely to target a centre-back addition this summer.

So far, most of their attention has been trained on getting Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.

However, with Huijsen now looking likely to join Real Madrid, Liverpool have pivoted in their search.



Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images

From early on in this transfer saga, it had appeared that Huijsen was intent on joining Real Madrid.

In our opinion, this was a major red flag from a Liverpool point of view.

If the Reds had triggered his £50m release clause and brought him to Anfield, there always seemed a strong chance Huijsen would be looking to escape to Madrid at the nearest opportunity.

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With Los Blancos now making their move, it is no surprise that the 20-year-old is poised to join them.

As journalist Fabrizio Romano relayed in a Thursday morning video on his YouTube channel, Liverpool have acknowledged that it is no longer worth speaking to Huijsen and have walked away from discussions.

READ MORE: Liverpool fans furious after learning Real Madrid’s ‘disgraceful’ new Trent Alexander-Arnold request

“Liverpool already left the conversation more than 24 hours ago because they understood that the player was giving total priority to Real Madrid,” Romano says.

“Now it’s on them to close everything with a ‘here we go’ expected very soon.”

With Liverpool clearly looking for a new central defender this summer, there will be intrigue surrounding whom they now pursue.

Last week, Romano revealed that Jorrel Hato is a firm alternative for Liverpool and the transfer expert has reiterated this claim after the latest Huijsen developments.

“Jorrel Hato is for sure in the list of Liverpool and Chelsea,” he says.

“It’s not an easy negotiation with Ajax, he’s a very important player for them, but he’s one of the candidates for these two clubs now they are expected to miss on their target Dean Huijsen.”

Hato is unlikely to be the only player on Liverpool’s revised list, and Rousing The Kop understands Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi could be among several names who will feature.
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