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Sport | Football

Slot is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of next season’s title defence

Arne Slot has outlined a star-studded shopping list

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Arthur Ferridge1 minute ago

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Liverpool have made an early start to their summer transfer planning after wrapping up a second Premier League title on Sunday.

Arne Slot’s side cruised largely unchallenged to the top spot in his debut season, Liverpool confirming their triumph with a 5-1 win over Tottenham at the weekend with four matches still to play in the campaign.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Slot’s soaring debut season is the fact that he pulled it off having made just one permanent signing on arrival at Anfield in Federico Chiesa, who has hardly played.

But that will not be the case ahead of next year’s campaign, as Slot is set to be granted a handsome transfer budget.

He has reportedly highlighted a striker and a left-sided defender as his primary targets, and, according to reports in the Daily Mail, he has already outlined his shortlist.

Liverpool will join the long line of clubs interested in signing Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, who has impressed throughout this campaign, recording more blocked shots and interceptions than any other Bournemouth player as Andoni Iraola’s side became surprise contenders for European qualification.

They will also look to Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as a potential option at left-back, the Hungary international contributing two goals and five assists in 34 league appearances this campaign.

But the Reds will face heavy competition for either man’s signature, as various top sides including Chelsea and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Huijsen’s services, while Kerkez is also held in high regard by a number of clubs.

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Kerkez has been most closely linked to Liverpool, though, with a deal reported to be worth around £40million.

With Darwin Nunez likely to leave the club after a wayward three years on Merseyside, Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike has been highlighted as a potential replacement.

The 22-year-old Frenchman has flown this year, contributing 32 goal involvements in all competitions as Frankfurt look set for a third-placed Bundesliga finish.

They have also been tentatively linked to Alexander Isak, though the Swede is not likely to leave Newcastle as the Magpies reportedly value him at well over £100m.

He is set to finish second in the Premier League Golden Boot race with 22 goals and a further six assists.

The summer transfer window will be split into two sections this year, either side of the Club World Cup.

It will be open from June 1 to June 10, before reopening on June 16 and closing on the first of September.

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