Michael Owen sends Liverpool message as Arne Slot stance on summer signing 'emerges'

Excitement continues to build during the transitional period at Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp's exit and Arne Slot's arrival.

The Dutchman has big boots to fill and it will be important to get things right ahead of a big and challenging season. The club are working behind the scenes to make additional signings as a host of names have been linked with a move to Anfield.

The likes of Adrien Rabiot, Crysencio Summerville, Nico Williams and Leny Yoro are all exciting names that the club are claimed to have on their radar. However, it remains to be seen whether a transfer materialises with any of them.

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With that being said, the ECHO has taken a look at the latest stories doing around Liverpool and given our thoughts.

Arne Slot 'reluctant' to sign Feyenoord star

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Slot's former player Lutsharel Geertruida. However, the Mirror claims that the Dutchman told his Anfield bosses that he was reluctant to make that step after seeing Erik ten Hag get criticised for taking Eredivisie players with him to Manchester United.

The 23-year-old, currently representing Netherlands in the Euros, has become one of Europe's hottest young properties. He is said to be subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leizpig, though it is Tottenham who are said to be in 'pole position' to land the Feyenoord defender.

The ECHO says: Coming to the final 12 months of his contract, Geertruida could be available for a cut price which would be a good deal for Liverpool. However, Slot coached him for three years at Feyenoord and will be very familiar with the player and whether his characteristics fit what Liverpool are looking for. The Dutch boss will no doubt act in Liverpool's best interest when it comes to completing transfers, but opting against a move suggests Geertruida may not be a good option for the club.

Michael Owen sends Arne Slot message

The transitional period for those associated with the club will be key for the new season ahead. Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen expects there to be some pressure on Slot to get things right.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, he said: "It will be tough for him, with expectations and everything else. I think there need to be signs of playing good football. We’ll see quite early on the style of play and how exciting it is on the eye.

"In the long term, you’d have to think that they have to be competitive. I mean, it’s alright giving managers time, but he does walk into a very good squad already and a very good club that’s very stable at the moment.

"So, say, they come fifth and don’t win a trophy, and saying ‘Oh yeah, it’s just building blocks', well no, the building blocks have been put in place. I think that winning something obviously would be perfect. If they don’t win anything, they’ve got to be challenging. They’ve got to be in the conversation.”

The ECHO says: There is some pressure on Slot to get the right signings in this summer to ensure the Reds have a successful season. With judgment held off over the initial bedding-in period, there is also excitement among the fanbase to see the new style of play and whether the club will be able to challenge for trophies. Even though a demanding season is expected, there will be no lack of support from fans.