Liverpool transfer state of play as one deal close but two more slipping away
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Having splashed out almost £450million on new signings and seen close to £225m worth of talent depart last summer, the Reds are understandably not expected to spend anything like the same amount.But this campaign has underlined that there still needs to be plenty of work done if Liverpool, under new head coach Andoni Iraola, are to once again bother those towards the top of the table.On the way out?Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have all now officially left Liverpool, along with nine other Academy players after their contracts expired. Salah is being linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.Curtis Jones has been wanted by Inter Milan, but the Italians are unwilling to come close to Liverpool's asking price in excess of £30m for the 25-year-old, who is in the last 12 months of his contract.
Nottingham Forest are keen but Jones is understood to be reluctant to move to the City Ground.With Alisson Becker having committed to Liverpool for the season, there have been claims from Italy that Giorgi Mamardashvili has been offered by his representatives to several Serie A clubs for a potential season-long loan.Joe Gomez cast doubt over his long-term future with recent comments on his status at Liverpool, while Federico Chiesa has been linked with a return to Italy but is expected to first attempt to impress new boss Iraola. Nevertheless, Liverpool were recently linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur central defender Micky van de Ven despite the Londoners reportedly unwilling to sell this summer.Salah's departure means Liverpool are looking for a new right-winger.
They were willing to pay £86m for RB Leipzig's 19-year-old Yan Diomande, a valuation equating to a package worth about €100m.Leipzig, though, refused to deal, although the player has now stated he expects to leave this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain believed to be his preference, making a Liverpool move highly unlikely.Bradley Barcola of PSG is another winger being assessed by the Reds, along with Brighton's Yanbuka Minteh, Said El Mala of Koln and Lille's Matia Fernandez-Pardo.PSG, though, are understood to not want to sell Barcola and have set a prohibitive price tag of more than £110m for the France international. The other three options on Liverpool's shortlist would be significantly cheaper.The Reds had retained an interest in Anthony Gordon, having been close to signing the England international two years ago, only for Barcelona to snap up the Scouser for €80m (£69.4m) from Newcastle United.Despite being linked with several midfielders, Liverpool are unlikely to do any business in the engine room until the futures of several present squad members are determined.The Reds are also not guaranteed to sign a new right-back despite Conor Bradley's long-term injury and the erratic fitness record of Jeremie Frimpong.