Liverpool are set to hijack Manchester United talks to sign an 'elite' midfielder this summer as they close in on the appointment of Andoni Iraola, according to TEAMtalk.
Liverpool and Man United were battling for a top-four finish in the Premier League season, and now they could be set for a transfer fight off the pitch too.
The Merseyside outfit are closing in on hiring Iraola following Arne Slot's surprise exit at the weekend, after a disappointing season that saw them finish in fifth and concede more goals than they ever had in the Premier League before.
Meanwhile, the Spaniard picked up many plaudits after leading Bournemouth to Europa League football, before leaving the Vitality Stadium when his contract expired.
With exits confirmed for Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate already, Iraola will know that he has some work to do over the summer to strengthen a squad that visibly struggled this season.
While there has been a lot of talk about how the Reds will look to strengthen in attack, to add to the incoming arrival of Jeremy Jacquet at the back, more reinforcements are needed across the pitch.
A midfield refresh could also be on the agenda, with Curtis Jones expected to leave and players like Alexis Mac Allister struggling during the 2025-26 campaign.
Liverpool 'Ones to Watch' in Mateus Fernandes Transfer Race
West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring vs Sunderland
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are 'ones to watch' in the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes after he was given the green light to leave the club following their relegation to the Championship.
The Portugal international is subject to interest from many big clubs across Europe, including the Reds and Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The Red Devils have already accelerated talks with the player and his agents, while they and Arsenal have made contact with the Hammers over a summer deal, according to the report.
Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on the 'elite' 21-year-old, but Liverpool are emerging as the club to watch in the race for his signature.
Fernandes is said to be keen to join United, with the opportunity to link up with compatriot Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford attractive.
West Ham Want £80m for Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes
The report adds that West Ham are demanding up to £80m for their star man despite their relegation to the Championship, which would smash the record for the league previously set when Chelsea signed Romeo Lavia from Southampton for £53m in 2024.
Despite the fierce battle for Fernandes' signature, the feeling is that the Irons will have to settle for a lower fee as the Portuguese midfielder seeks a summer exit.
Offers are expected to be around the £60m mark for the 21-year-old, with clubs knowing that West Ham need to balance the books ahead of a season in the English second tier.
Fernandes is said to be open to a move away from England to join PSG too, after they defended their Champions League title by beating Arsenal on Saturday.