Liverpool ‘only want to sign Prem players’ as first arrival edges near

Liverpool are focusing their efforts on signing players predominantly from the Premier League this summer, reports have claimed. The Reds are already gearing up for a mammoth window between now and the start of the 2023/24 campaign when they will be tasked with overhauling Jurgen Klopp’s midfield and patching up and improving other areas of the German’s squad.

Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are set to leave Anfield when their deals expire at the end of June and James Milner could now follow with Brighton close to signing the veteran on a free transfer.

It means Liverpool will need to sign at least three central midfielders just to cover their departures and that’s without considering the fact that more depth and quality is required if the Reds want to compete for the biggest prizes again.

Nonetheless, two names that appear unlikely to arrive at Anfield are Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte and Benfica’s Florentino Luis – both of whom have been linked with Liverpool in the Portuguese press.

That’s because Goal are reporting that Liverpool have decided they want to sign Premier League-proven quality this summer to minimise teething problems.

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Darwin Nunez has failed to hit the heights expected of a £85million player following his big-money switch from Benfica last summer.

Nonetheless, there is confidence he will still come good under Klopp even if he still has plenty to learn before he masters Liverpool’s press.

Going back to midfield, one name that appears to be at the top of Liverpool’s summer transfer shortlist is Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton.

It’s understood the Reds have now met with the player’s representatives to discuss their vision for the World Cup winner, who looks set to leave the Amex this summer.

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Liverpool are yet to open talks with Brighton over a deal and would still have to negotiate a fee with the Seagulls before any deal is done.

Yet it appears they are now acting quickly in a bid to move ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for the Argentine’s signature.

Other names that have been linked with Liverpool include Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.

The former Sporting anchorman has caught the eye for the Cottagers this season, providing a solid base for Marco Silva’s side in the middle of the park.

His tough-tackling, passing and long-range shooting ability have all contributed towards a stellar debut season in the Premier League.

Liverpool could now seek to test Fulham’s resolve for the Portugal international as they seek to sign some competition for Fabinho.

The Reds are understood to have met with the representatives of Bayern Munich maestro Ryan Gravenberch, who is another player that could be of strong interest this summer.

Gravenberch is said to be keen to make the switch to Anfield but Bayern have no plans to sell the former Ajax man despite his lack of opportunities in his debut Bundesliga season.

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