Liverpool played their first pre-season friendly of the summer on Sunday without a number of recognised first team stars.

The Reds were largely impressive during their maiden outing of 2025/26, sweeping Preston North End aside on a day dedicated solely to Diogo Jota.

Arne Slot fielded two separate XIs in each half, but there was no room for the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Alexis Mac Allister, who were deemed not yet ready to feature.

Liverpool‘s record signing Florian Wirtz missed the Preston match as well, as supporters were forced to wait to see the German in action.

West Ham eye move for Liverpool’s Elliott and close on Slavia Prague’s Diouf	West Ham United reach agreement to sign Liverpool linked defender	West Ham United to target two Liverpool midfielders next

Another name missing from the travelling group was Harvey Elliott, who reported for duty later than most of his teammates in the Liverpool squad.

And as the Reds were doing the business on the pitch at Deepdale, Elliott was being strongly linked with a move to West Ham United.

Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Elliott’s absence from the squad on Sunday was clearly not linked to any pending move away.

The 22-year-old was never going to be in action following his exploits with England U21s this summer.

Nevertheless, Elliott has been strongly backed to leave, and those rumours grew stronger via a report from The Guardian on Sunday evening.

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They claim that Liverpool’s No.

19 has been identified as a ‘key target’ for West Ham following Mohammed Kudus’ departure to Tottenham.

Preparations are reportedly being conducted ahead of a move being firmed up, although it is said to be unclear how much Liverpool would ask to sell Elliott.

READ MORE: £34m Liverpool player turns down Atletico Madrid move as questions swirl over Anfield future

Despite a lack of clarity on price tag, it is claimed the Hammers are ‘optimistic’ they will be able to seal a deal for the Premier League winner.

Furthermore, West Ham are said to be ‘considering’ a move to sign Elliott’s Liverpool teammate and close friend Tyler Morton.

Earlier this summer, there were suggestions Liverpool would aim to bank £45m for Elliott if they were to sell him in the coming months.

Liverpool AppearancesLiverpool GoalsTotal Career AppearancesTotal Career GoalsHarvey Elliott1471519222Tyler Morton1401013

Given the talent, potential and experience of the former Fulham prospect, that would seem like a fair price.

Much will likely depend on how keen Elliott is to force the move.

If he tells Liverpool he does indeed want out for more playing time, there is probably a deal to be done for West Ham.

In terms of Morton, Liverpool should not be short of interest in the midfielder after an excellent Euros with England.

The Reds wanted £20m for Morton 12 months ago, but having made only five appearances last season, his value has likely dropped some way below that.
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