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Liverpool have reinforced their status as Premier League champions during a busy summer transfer window.

The Reds have sent out statement after statement in the market as they prepare to defend the crown they won at a canter last season.

Florian Wirtz represented the first ever £100m plus signing in Liverpool history, while there is a real possibility that Alexander Isak quickly becomes the second.

Liverpool are pushing to sign Isak from Newcastle as they aim to completely reshape their forward line.

The Reds are unlikely to be done there as they target a new centre-back before the deadline.

The one area of the pitch which has not seen change this summer is in central midfield, with Liverpool still content with their options following a rebuild in 2023.

Arne Slot was likely leaving the middle of the pitch until 2026, when they may be in need of a slight refresh.

However, after Manchester United made a surprise move on Wednesday evening, Liverpool may need to bring forward their plans.

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Although their midfield options are good, Liverpool do look a little light in defensive midfield beyond Ryan Gravenberch.

As a result, fans have long been getting excited at the prospect of a future move for Brighton all-rounder Carlos Baleba.

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Baleba was linked with Liverpool before the start of the window, but since the summer began the rumours have gone a little quiet.

With the Cameroonian seemingly set to stay with the Seagulls, the Reds may have been pencilling in a move next year.

However, things were turned upside down on Wednesday, with journalist David Ornstein confirming that Man United have made contact with Brighton over a potential transfer of Baleba.

READ MORE: Liverpool fans told whether they could be signing Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola together

Baleba has been valued at £100m in the recent past which, given Liverpool’s spending so far, may rule them out of a move in the here and now.

But the Reds are in a very healthy position finances-wise.

Darwin Nunez is set to be sold for more decent money and if Baleba is on the move, especially to a rival, then they have to get involved.

After this summer’s spending, it may be that Liverpool decide to lay low for a couple of years once the window is finished.

However, there are still areas of the Liverpool squad which need improving, and Slot will be keen to make sure the full team is his.

Alan Shearer called Baleba ‘wonderful‘ last season, and he is developing into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

Seeing him go to United would be a blow for Liverpool, and they must act while there is still something they can do about it.

It may not be to everyone’s taste to spend such huge money yet again, but Richard Hughes is all about opportunities on the market.
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