Liverpool ‘lining-up’ £83million summer transfer as bid for striker target ‘prepared’

Liverpool are lining-up a big-money summer swoop for a midfielder - according to reports.

While the January transfer window may have only just closed, the rumour mill is already starting to turn ahead of what could be a busy summer trading period across the Premier League.

And if the latest speculation is anything to go by, then Liverpool could well be active once the window re-opens - with a number of players having been linked with moves to Anfield.

Here’s what the latest transfer gossip is saying:

£83million midfielder linked with Liverpool switch

Liverpool are reportedly lining-up a summer move for Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

The Mirror claim that the French international has emerged as a target for Jurgen Klopp’s side as they look to add to their midfield options.

Liverpool could see some of their current midfield options depart in the summer and a number of potential replacements are already being touted.

Tchouameni was linked with Chelsea in the January transfer window, at which point it was suggested that Monaco’s asking price stood at around £83million.

The 22-year-old previously played for Bordeaux and has caught the eye in Ligue 1 this term - while he has also picked-up seven caps for France since making his senior national team debut in 2021.

Chelsea ‘preparing’ bid for Liverpool-linked striker

Tchouameni isn’t the only player from the French top flight to be linked with making a move to Merseyside - with Reims striker Hugo Ekitike also reportedly on Klopp’s radar.

The teenage talent has scored nine times in 20 Ligue 1 appearances this season, which has put him on the radar of a number of clubs.

Ekitike - who has been dubbed the ‘next Kylian Mbappe’ - was the subject of interest from Newcastle United in January, but a deal could not be struck.

The 19-year-old may not have to wait much longer for a move to the Premier League though, with several clubs thought to be in the running for his signature, with the Mirror now report that Chelsea are ‘preparing’ a £33million bid for Ekitike.

Kalvin Phillips latest as Premier League rivals eye deal

And Ekitike may not be the only potential target for whom Liverpool could have a battle on their hands.

Spanish outlet Fichajes claim that the Reds are set to go up against Arsenal and Manchester United in the race for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

While the 26-year-old has been absent through injury in recent weeks, interest in his services hasn’t cooled - with a number of the Premier League’s elite monitoring his situation.

The report from Spain suggests that Klopp is looking to pair Phillips with Fabinho in the centre of his midfield.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are said to view Phillips as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba - whose future remains unclear with less than six months remaining on his contract.