Liverpool suffer fresh Leny Yoro 'blow' as contact 'made' with Man United target

Liverpool can be forgiven for such a slow summer transfer window up to the present considering the upheaval behind-the-scenes following Jurgen Klopp's departure, as well as the major international tournaments currently taking place.

However, many fans are hopeful that Arne Slot and co. will be starting to put their transfer plans into action in the coming days. The Reds return today and no new squad members will be joining them at Melwood.

Ahead of the first weekend of July, the ECHO has taken a look at the latest reports from across the media which includes the latest on one target - Lille's Leny Yoro.

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Yoro update bad news for Liverpool

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Yoro remains committed to signing for Real Madrid as a priority. The teenager is thought to be waiting for his French club and the Spanish giants to agree a financial package and he has informed Los Blancos that he will not extend his deal.

Liverpool remain interested but they are reportedly just hoping for the Yoro deal to fall through.

What the ECHO says: Realistically, it looks like Liverpool will miss out on Leny Yoro. However, this development does add credence to the debate over why the Reds are not pushing harder for Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori. It is no secret there is a lack of defensive talent in the transfer window this summer so to not be near the front of the queue to battle for the talented Italian is frustrating to some supporters. If Liverpool miss out on the 22-year-old, you have to wonder who is next on the list for Slot.

Slot makes contact with United target

According to Bild, Slot has now made personal contact with Netherlands and Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong. The 23-year-old is currently at Euro 2024 but is thought to be speaking to the Liverpool manager in regards a transfer.

Manchester United have been linked heavily with Frimpong who shone under Xabi Alonso's coaching last season and it is believed he has a release clause of £34m inserted into his contract.

What the ECHO says: There is no doubting Frimpong's abilities but it is difficult to see where he fits into the Liverpool system at present. Would he play second fiddle to Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back or is Arne Slot planning to move the England international into midfield? Frimpong would not leave the Bundesliga champions to become second choice at Anfield but Gareth Southgate's experiment in putting Alexander-Arnold in midfield this summer has not worked out. The only other way bringing Frimpong to Liverpool would be realistic is if Alexander-Arnold is headed for the exit door - but that should not happen.