Liverpool are still in the race to sign Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, according to The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney.
It has been widely reported that Arsenal are the frontrunners for the England international, having already made enquiries.
However, Delaney claims that the Premier League champions have a “longstanding interest” in Eze and “sources close to the situation” have told him that the Reds may yet make their move for the player this summer.
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The 27-year-old does have a release clause in his contract, which is worth £60m plus £8m in performance-related bonuses.
Do Liverpool need a player like Eze?
Head coach Arne Slot may be on the lookout for a new left winger if Luis Diaz does leave the club before the end of the transfer window.
Eze can play out wide but it must be said that he is best suited to the No.10 position. That is not a role that the Merseysiders need to strengthen following the arrival of Florian Wirtz for a British record fee.
In addition to the German international, Dominik Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones can also be deployed there if required.
Who could be pursued instead of Eze?
If Diaz is sold to either Barcelona or Bayern Munich over the coming weeks, the likeliest replacement is believed to be Lyon’s Malick Fofana.
Reports in the French media claim that Liverpool have spoken to the Belgian’s representatives about a move to Anfield. Lyon’s demotion to Ligue Two could help facilitate the transfer but it won’t be a straightforward deal to negotiate.
Fofana’s asking price is €60m (£52m), while the likes of Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Manchester United and others have also expressed an interest in the winger.
In other news, a £65m striker won’t wait any longer for Liverpool as he decides to join another club