Liverpool is set for an emotional day as it plays its first game since Diogo Jota's death later, with the Reds taking on Preston in their first pre-season game.

More tributes are planned ahead of kick-off to commemorate Jota and his brother Andre Silva, with Liverpool having already confirmed it will retire the No.

Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.



Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

Rodrygo wants a move to Arsenal if he is to leave Real Madrid this summer, according to Spanish outlet AS.

Liverpool transfer news as Rodrygo meeting planned and Hugo Ekitike stance emerges	Hugo Ekitike transfer latest as offers 'expected' with Liverpool in race with two rivals	Newcastle launch ambitious transfer move to beat Liverpool and Man Utd to Hugo Ekitike

It's claimed that the Brazilian is now open to the idea of leaving Madrid, having previously shown no desire to do so, with a meeting with Los Blancos reportedly set to go ahead in order to decide on his future.

It's suggested that he would consider leaving the Bernabeu if he gets a say in who he joins next, with Arsenal said to be his preferred destination.

That may come as a blow to Liverpool, with the Reds also being linked with his services, having previously tried to sign him as a youngster in 2017.

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Whether Richard Hughes would spot an opportunity and decide it's worth snapping up Rodrygo while he can remains to be seen, but for now it seems Arsenal might be the frontrunners for his signature, which would certainly spice up next season's title race.

Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Newcastle has rekindled its interest in Hugo Ekitike, and has made the striker's representatives aware of its desire to sign him this summer, according to The Telegraph.

The Magpies are said to be hopeful of agreeing a fee with Eintracht Frankfurt, although it is suggested that they will have to pay Ekitike's release clause of around $117 million in order to get a transfer over the line.

Newcastle's attempts to sign Ekitike could come as a blow to Liverpool, and not just because the Reds may also be in the running for the Frenchman

If Newcastle does land Ekitike, you can bet Liverpool will be watching closely to see whether Isak does sign a new deal at St James' Park.


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