Liverpool transfer state of play as £54m deals near and players ready to leave

It is in danger of becoming a phrase with which to beat new sporting director Richard Hughes. At present, though, the only crescendo regarding Liverpool transfers this month is the growing gnashing of teeth and mutterings of concern from supporters at the continued lack of fresh blood in Arne Slot's squad.

The increase in activity anticipated by Hughes hasn't thus far manifested itself in the form of new signings as time starts to run out during the summer window.

Only 10 days remain before the deadline on Friday week with Liverpool's revamped recruitment team, despite their best efforts, yet to strengthen the squad with an arrival for the new Reds head coach.

Slot, for his part, has been pragmatic about the failed attempt to lure Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, although his comments last month that it would be a "surprise" if at least one new signing wasn't made perhaps highlight his true expectation.

Indeed, the only incoming Liverpool are currently close to securing would be for next season. The Reds have monitored the situation of Georgia international goalkeeper Giorgo Mamardashvili for some time and are close to making a final decision on whether to pursue a deal.

Valencia value the shot-stopper at €40million (£34.1m) and any agreement would see Mamardashvili play out this season in Spain before officially moving to Anfield next summer.

Elsewhere, there have been suggestions Liverpool are keeping a watching brief on Marc Guehi's situation with a move to Newcastle United from Crystal Palace yet to materialise. The understanding early in the window, however, was the Reds were not interested in signing the centre-back, and there has been no indication that stance has altered.

Liverpool ultimately chose not to bid for Lille teenager Leny Yoro earlier this summer, with the defender instead joining Manchester United for £52m. The Reds, though, may still be compelled to strengthen in the position with question marks over a number of current squad members.

Joe Gomez's future has been called into question ever since Liverpool agreed in June a £45m sale to Newcastle United as part of a deal that would have seen Anthony Gordon move to Anfield until the Magpies pulled the plug.

Gomez wasn't part of the matchday squad for the Premier League opener at Ipswich Town last weekend, with Aston Villa, Chelsea and a host of other clubs contemplating whether to formalise their interest. Newcastle could do likewise if they fail to agree a deal for Guehi.

Sepp van den Berg is available for £20m and with PSV Eindhoven and Mainz among clubs to have baulked at that price tag, it has emerged the Dutchman is among players Brentford are assessing with the Premier League side reportedly willing to meet Liverpool's asking price.

Nat Phillips will also be allowed to leave, although it's likely the Reds will have to lower their £8m valuation from earlier in the summer.

Tyler Morton is another who could leave. The 21-year-old midfielder has heavyweight suitors in Atalanta and RB Leipzig and would command a sizeable fee.

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain were strongly linked with Luis Diaz for several months, but Slot last week made clear he regards the winger as a key player for Liverpool this season.

That said, could Liverpool reignite their previous interest in Gordon? It's not beyond the realms of possibility with, as things stand, Mohamed Salah set to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. As was shown with the interest in Yoro, the Reds are already planning for the next generation.

Almost certain, though, are a swathe of departures from the Academy ranks. Bobby Clark is expected to complete a £10m move to Red Bull Salzburg while Liverpool may sanction the permanent exit of 18-year-old winger Ben Doak, who has had previous loan interest from Southampton and Leicester City.

Stefan Bajcetic, the 19-year-old defensive midfielder who spent the best part of 12 months out injured, could potentially go out on loan to gain regular minutes with a host of clubs tracking his progress. Teenage winger Kaide Gordon and 19-year-old midfielder James McConnell have loan interest from the Championship, as does left-back Owen Beck with teams in Scotland said to be seeking a permanent deal for the 22-year-old.

There could be further loan spells for goalkeeper Harvey Davies, and midfielders James Norris, Dominic Corness and James Balagizi, while left-back Calum Scanlon may also gain senior experience elsewhere. Harvey Blair, the 21-year-old forward, and Polish goalkeeper Jakub Ojrzynski are others who will likely to be allowed to leave.