What newest Liverpool transfer enquiry means for Mo Salah as Arne Slot talks revealed

The transfer window is gaining pace as clubs look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season which is quickly approaching.

It’s no different at Liverpool where new head coach Arne Slot and his backroom team will be working on deals to shape the squad going into the 2024/25 campaign. It’s no surprise that the Reds continue to be linked with numerous players.

Liverpool kick off their season when they travel to take on newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday, August 17. Before that they face Real Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United in pre-season clashes.

READ MORE: Anthony Gordon transfer twist will spark Liverpool rethink after Newcastle agreement

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With so much transfer talk swirling around, ECHO Sport have taken a look at two stories and given our own thoughts.

Crysensio Summerville competition

Crysensio Summerville is a name that has been linked with Liverpool for most of the summer. The Championship player of the season last season is not short of suitors.

According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf Liverpool, along with Chelsea and PSG, have all made an enquiry to Leeds United over a possible transfer. But they also face competition from Brighton and Hove Albion and Fulham.

The report adds that PSG currently have ‘the best credentials’.

The ECHO says: Despite the links to Anthony Gordon, Liverpool believe that they are well stocked on the left wing meaning that a move to Summerville may not be a priority in the summer window, especially as the competition will drive up the price.

While he was impressive in the Championship last season, he has only had one full season in the Premier League where he was part of a Leeds side who were relegated. Given a choice between Gordon and Summerville, Liverpool may just opt for the former, although a lot may depend on the price.

Any move could also be dependent on the future of Mohamed Salah, who has been linked with an unlikely move to Saudi Arabia. Salah has 12 months remaining on his Liverpool contract, meaning it’s a situation that the Reds must solve sooner rather than later.

Target hints at transfer priority

Reported Liverpool transfer target David Hancko has suggested that Liverpool will not be in the market for a new defender this season, despite admitting that he held talks with Arne Slot.

“I think that in three years he will be named as one of the best coaches in the world,” Hancko told Voetbal International. “I can see that happening, because I know what he did with us and now he has the biggest platform to show that.

“I have a lot of confidence in him and his staff. And I don't express that appreciation because I hope that I will go with him to Liverpool, because that is unlikely.

“I have spoken to him a few times after the end of the season, but I don't think they are looking for a player in my position, so I don't think a transfer to Liverpool will happen. But I wish him the best of luck, he really is a fantastic coach.”

The ECHO says: Despite the exit of Joel Matip and the subsequent links to several centre-backs this summer, Liverpool are thought to be prioritising other areas of the team, which reiterates Hancko’s comments. The transfer stance on Jarrel Quansah may explain their thinking, with the academy graduate potentially being given an even bigger role in the season coming.

Adding another centre-back to the squad could potentially push him further down the pecking order and limit his game time at Anfield. The club may feel that the money that may be spent on a defender could be better spent elsewhere.