Liverpool chief Michael Edwards facing £60m transfer problem because of Gennaro Gattuso

Transfer news: Who could be on the move this summer?

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Liverpool’s pursuit of Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic has taken a hit as a result of Gennaro Gattuso’s surprise departure after less than a month in charge of the Italian heavyweights, according to reports. Vlahovic is reportedly on the Merseyside club’s list of summer targets as sporting director Michael Edwards looks to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s ranks ahead of the new campaign.

The Reds have already completed the signing of defender Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig after meeting his £34million release clause last month.

A number of problem areas are believed to be under the microscope this summer as Liverpool aim to mount a renewed Premier League title challenge next season.

The addition of a new central midfielder appears to be a priority for Klopp, who is preparing for life without the services of Georginio Wijnaldum after his move to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

The likes of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma and Borussia Monchengladbach pair Denis Zakaria and Florian Neuhaus have been linked with moves to Anfield as of late.

Liverpool are also said to be keen on signing an out-and-out striker amid the recent struggles of Roberto Firmino, who scored nine times in all competitions this season.

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Vlahovic is understood to be high on Klopp’s list of attacking targets after establishing himself as Fiorentina’s main outlet at the top of the pitch.

The six-time European champions have been in talks with the Serie A club over the possibility of a move, but Gattuso’s untimely exit has threatened to pour cold water on their hopes of a deal, according to Anfield Central.

The report claims that Fiorentina’s impending search for a successor will ‘complicate’ Liverpool’s plan to bring Vlahovic to the club this summer.

Any move for his services is likely to cost the Reds a pretty penny, with the Italian outfit reportedly demanding a fee of £60million to part ways with their prized asset.

However, with a new head coach expected to replace Gattuso before the start of next season, it remains to be seen whether the club’s stance will change.

Vlahovic has emerged as one of the finest strikers in Italy’s top flight, chipping in with 21 goals this season to help Fiorentina stay clear of the drop zone.

Serie A expert Conor Clancy recently suggested that the 21-year-old’s transition to Premier League football would be seamless if he eventually joins Liverpool.

“It wouldn’t be bad at all,” Clancy told Football Fan Cast. “I think that’s the type of partnership [with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane] Vlahovic would settle in so easy with.

“Just like a duck to water because if you’ve got those players playing alongside you then your job is made a little bit easier. It would be very demanding but I think he’s capable.”

Meanwhile, former England striker Darren Bent has already declared that Liverpool would reap the benefits of replacing Firmino with a complete operator, claiming that the Brazilian’s creative abilities no longer make up for his lack of goal threat.

“You need to go out and get another centre-forward,” Bent told talkSPORT back in April. “Someone who’s got the pedigree, the calibre to score goals and do everything else.

“Maybe it’s time for Firmino to play second fiddle to someone. There were a couple of seasons where he was very good, he won the league.

“He was brilliant, but you can see already now he’s starting to tail off a bit.”

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