Liverpool transfer news as Ayyoub Bouaddi talks continue and winger set to reject move

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Liverpool transfer news as there are updates on Ayyoub Bouaddi's future at Lille, Said El Mala and a potential transfer, and Harvey Elliott's place under Andoni Iraola.Ayyoub Bouaddi has starred for Morocco at the World Cup(Image: Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Liverpool's transfer business is expected to ramp up in the coming weeks, as the market is set to burst into life across the world with signings left, right, and center.With the World Cup winding to a close this weekend, there is an expectation that players will be switching their focus to potential moves, with the domino effect of transfers elsewhere yet to be felt with such a stagnant market.So far, Liverpool has made two additions in the form of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, which was agreed earlier this year, as well as the arrival of Victor Munoz from Osasuna.Both stars will have a key role to play, but new head coach Andoni Iraola has already made it clear that other moves are in the works to get the Reds back where they belong at the top of the Premier League table.So, with that said, here's a look at the latest Liverpool transfer news and rumors ahead of another busy day of action.Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lillie)Liverpool could quickly fall behind in the race for Morocco starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi this summerLiverpool-linked midfielder Ayyoud Bouaddi continues to be the subject of interest from Manchester City this summer, as Ben Jacobs claims talks are ongoing between the Premier League outfit and Lille over a deal.Any move is likely to cost the buying club significantly, in the region of $114.4 million, but it's claimed that it can be reduced with a loan move or pre-agreement that will see the Moroccan international stay with his current team for another season.Content cannot be displayed without consentIt means Liverpool may have some work to do to wrestle Bouaddi away from Man City, with the rivals looking to storm ahead in any discussions for the 18-year-old.Liverpool.com says: While Bouaddi would be an ideal signing for Liverpool, in the mould of a young star with quality now and potential for the future, the terms of the deal appear difficult to come to agree on.A $114.4 million price tag is expensive for someone who is hardly proven, and given the priorities elsewhere in the squad, it would be a misallocation of funds for the Reds to spend so much in that position.That price could come down with a loan for a year, but it would still be an almighty investment without any immediate benefit for the team in the short-term.While Man City may be able to take on that impact, Liverpool needs to get better for the coming season and beyond, and unless things change, a deal for Bouaddi appears unlikely.Said El Mala (Koln)(Image: Getty Images)With the search for another winger currently underway, Liverpool has been linked with a move for Koln's Said El Mala as a potential option.The forward is viewed as an alternative to Bradley Barcola on the right, having impressed in the Bundesliga last season at the age of just 19.While El Mala was close to joining Brentford, a deal fell through, which Liverpool could take advantage of, but that may fall through due to a reports from TeamTalk.It's claimed that Koln is now confident about keeping the Germany international, with a belief that he will now stay instead of seeking an exit to the Premier League in the coming weeks.Liverpool.com says: El Mala clearly has plenty of talent and potential, which has become a feature for all of Liverpool's transfer targets so far, but a deal here also appears difficult to do.Doubts over El Mala arose over his move to Brentford falling through, and while he has shown some quality in the Bundesliga, it's unclear whether it will immediately translate over to the Premier League.Given the weight of responsibility on any potential Mohamed Salah replacement, perhaps El Mala's lack of availability is no bad thing for this summer at least.Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)Harvey Elliott is back at Liverpool for now(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)Harvey Elliott's return to Liverpool means he is in line for an opportunity to impress Andoni Iraola, as Football Insider claims the manager will give the midfielder a chance to work his way back into the team.The 23-year-old endured a nightmare loan spell with Aston Villa last season, where he struggled for game time as the club looked to avoid triggering the automatic permanent deal option in his contract.A return to Liverpool has raised fresh doubts over his future, but the report claims that there could be a way back for Elliott.Liverpool.com says: This summer appears to be a pivotal moment for both Elliott and Liverpool in terms of the star's future, and whether he continues at Anfield or not.There was no expectation that when he moved to Aston Villa that he would return, but there is a chance for him to right the wrongs of the past year under Iraola.It's unclear exactly what his role could be, especially if he wants guaranteed playing time, while his contract expiring in 2027 means that this summer could be the final chance for the Reds to raise some serious funds for him.However, it presents an interesting opportunity for his Liverpool story to continue.