Liverpool and Everton transfer rumours: Reds hit impasse with Mo Salah, Rafa Benitez makes Moise Kean decision

It’s now less than two weeks until the summer transfer window shuts on Tuesday, August 31.

So far, the activity of both Merseyside clubs in the market has been relatively low key.

Everton have brought three players to Goodison Park to date and spent only £1.5 million. That was on Demarai Gray from Bayer Leverkusen, while Andros Townsend (Newcastle) and Asmir Begovic (Bournemouth) both joined on free transfers.

On the opposite side of Stanley Park, Liverpool have made just one addition in the shape of Ibrahima Konate. The Reds paid £36 million to RB Leipzig for the centre-back.

The Toffees and the Reds may look to strengthen before the window closes, though, and we round up the latest transfer rumours.

Reds back in for Sarr

Liverpool are ready to reignite their bid to sign Watford winger Ismaila star.

The Senegal international was a transfer target for the Reds last summer but the Hornets rebuffed interest.

Sarr helped Watford earn promotion straight back to the Premier League in the 2020-21 campaign and delivered a man-of-the-match performance in his side’s 3-2 defeat of Aston Villa on the opening day of the new season on Saturday.

The 23-year-old remains on Jurgen Klopp’s radar and Sarr is said to have asked to leave Vicarage Road. (Daily Express)

Everton enquire about Clauss

Everton have made an inquiry about RC Lens right-back Jonathan Clauss.

The Toffees require someone to provide cover to captain Seamus Coleman on the right-hand side of defence.

Having missed out on Denzel Dumfries to Inter Milan, Rafa Benitez has been forced to turn his attention elsewhere.

Clauss, 28, is one option who could arrive at Goodison, although West Ham are also interested. (Homme du Match)

Salah contract hits impasse

Liverpool have hit an impasse with Mohamed Salah in a bid to extend his contract.

The Reds want the Egypt international to be the latest star to commit his future after Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Trent Alexander-Arnold penned new deals.

But to ensure Salah remains at Anfield like he wishes, Liverpool will have to make him the biggest offer they’ve ever made to one of their players.

The forward has scored 126 goals in 206 games since arriving from Roma in 2017 and helped inspire the Reds to Champions League and Premier League glory in 2019 and 2020 respectively. (The Times)

James denies Atletico move

James Rodriguez has denied he is departing Everton for Atletico Madrid.

The Colombian has been told he’s not in Rafa Benitez’s plans following his arrival as manager.

Rodriguez recenty posted a cryptic message in Spanish on Twitter. It translated as “ Never stop believing” which is the slogan of the La Liga champions.

However, speaking on a live Twitch broadcast, the former Bayern Munich playmaker said this was “pure coincidence”.

Woodburn set for Scotland

Hearts are poised to sign Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn on loan.

The attacking midfielder will join the Scottish Premiership club until January and they’ll have the option to extend his stay for the rest of the season.

Woodburn became the Reds’ youngest ever goalscorer when he netted against Leeds aged 17 years and 45 days in September 2017.

However, the Wales international has had a difficult couple of years. He picked up two serious foot injuries on loan at Oxford in the 2019-20 campaign before struggling for minutes at Blackpool last term.

But by all accounts, Woodburn has impressed Liverpool during pre-season and now will move to Tynecastle. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Rafa makes Kean decision

Rafa Benitez wants to keep Moise Kean at Everton.

The striker spent last season on loan at Paris Saint-Germain where he scored 17 goals.

There’s speculation that Kean could depart Goodison again this summer. A potential return to PSG is mooted while Inter Milan and Fiorentina have also been linked.

But despite struggling on Merseyside since arriving in 2019, scoring only four times in 37 games, Benitez wants to keep the Italy international. (Fabrizio Romano)