Liverpool transfer news as rivals ‘set to beat $28m asking price’ while Rafael Benítez ‘engages in talks’

Liverpool transfer news: Senior club officials have spoken to Rafael Benitez about a deal, as a rival could top the asking price to secure a Reds ‘goal’.

Liverpool have reacquainted themselves with a number of past figures this week. While touring Singapore, the squad was joined by former players, including Lucas Leiva and Martin Škrtel.

Showing the magnitude of Liverpool’s rebuilding, Lucas met very few familiar faces, with the man who played nearly two full seasons under Jürgen Klopp meeting just three of his former playing colleagues. That number was even lower for Škrtel, who had left the previous summer.

Both players were first brought to Liverpool by Rafael Benítez. And it seems the club’s past has come under greater scrutiny of late – the ex-Reds manager is unlikely to stand out in Singapore after accepting a La Liga job, but there has still been contacts between the two Spaniards and Anfield officials over a possible transfer.

Liverpool are continuing the Lucas theme and are reportedly eyeing a direct transfer from South America as well. That the Brazilian coming straight from Gremio was a rarity and the owners of FSG in particular have certainly preferred to allow players to prove themselves in Europe first, but that pattern could be broken – provided it doesn’t. not be outbid.

André (Fluminense)

Klopp conceded this week that Liverpool need to dive into the transfer market again to strengthen their midfield, despite having already signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. But perhaps it will try to make further additions with a slightly larger budget, a quest that can take the club to South America.

In particular, André van Fluminense is an interesting player, according to football transfers. However, Liverpool faces competition from numerous other parties, including Sporting Lisbon and Wolves. The most pressing challenge could come from Fulham, who are willing to pay ‘over the odds’ for the 22-year-old midfielder.

The Brazilian club’s minimum asking price is $28 million (£21 million / €25 million). Liverpool.com says: Liverpool have Mac Allister and Szoboszlai as strong contenders for eighth place, while Curtis Jones should not be forgotten either. Harvey Elliott is also more than capable, as is Thiago – while the loss of Jordan Henderson will force Klopp back into the market, he doesn’t have to be a very established name.

Andre may be more targeted as a number six, with the proven quality signing being slightly more important at the moment following the loss of Fabinho. But if he came alongside another player, perhaps a proven Premier League name like Romeo Lavia, then perhaps Liverpool could justify the risk while keeping recruitment costs to an acceptable level in a summer. also loaded.

However, if Fulham are pushing the price up, you can’t count on Liverpool to stay in the game. There’s a reason why FSG usually waits for South American talent, and only the real deal can entice them.

Gabriel Veiga (Celta Vigo)

Gabri Veiga, a constant presence in the gossip earlier this summer, hasn’t been the subject of strong Liverpool ties of late. But a new report could change that.

Speaking to Twitter Spaces via The Boot Room, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Liverpool have not only discovered Veiga but have also held talks with Benítez. Indeed, an intriguing proposal has been discussed to overcome a major obstacle. Veiga is said to be insisting on immediate playing time, which is why ‘someone in senior management’ at Liverpool spoke to Benítez about the possibility of a loan move to Celta Vigo. As of today, however, the club have yet to make a move for the player, who has a $44m (£34m/€40m) release clause.

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool really need more depth in midfield at the moment so a loan deal would be a bit counter-intuitive. Still, a deal like this could see the club build on their good relationship with Benítez – it seemed more or less out of place given the release clause, but a more creative deal could see a different arrangement be struck. .

It all depends on how Liverpool rate Veiga. If he thinks he would now regret allowing a rival to sneak in, maybe that will continue despite the very real need to keep getting stronger here and now. But if that’s how the club was sold, it feels like it’s already made its way.