Liverpool have begun a new era at Anfield after confirming the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new manager, replacing Arne Slot in the dugout.
The Spaniard has arrived after the Reds decided to change the manager, following a difficult season where they finished 5th in the Premier League and trophyless after 13 defeats and more than 50 goals conceded, just 12 months after they won the title under the Dutch coach.
All the noise coming out of Liverpool in the final weeks of the season was that the board would stick with Slot for next season, which led to much shock around his departure. But it has now emerged that it seems the club had a real change of heart, as they were in talks over transfers while he was still in charge.
Arne Slot
According to a report by Dutch outlet VI, Liverpool were one of the clubs to make contact over a deal to sign defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
The defender, who has been described as 'incredible', is entering the final 12 months of his contract at the Amex Stadium and has attracted the interest of several top clubs in the Premier League.
Tottenham Hotspur have seen a formal bid rejected, with the Seagulls valuing the Dutch international at around £70m, despite his contract status.
While Liverpool have made contact with the player's representatives about a deal, it's unclear if the club will proceed with any deal, as it has emerged that the contact was made while Slot was still the manager, and he was the driving force for any deal.
A new central defender is likely to be signed after Ibrahima Konate left at the end of his contract, with a move to Real Madrid now confirmed by club president Florentino Perez. Virgil Van Dijk will be 35 when the season starts, while youngster Jeremy Jacquet is set to arrive after signing from Rennes in January.
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Liverpool Move for Van Hecke Would be Sensible
Jan Paul van Hecke in action for the Netherlands
Liverpool are in need of a new central defender, and someone who is Premier League proven would be a huge boost to the squad as they could come in and immediately make an impact, rather than needing to adapt for too long.
Van Hecke has good quality on the ball, is strong in the air, fast and physically imposing. All of those attributes fit well with top level football, and at 25 there is still plenty of room for him to improve too.
£70m would be a huge price to pay, and Brighton are notoriously tough negotiators. A move would be sensible, but it now looks unlikely with all the moving parts, and Spurs having already moved to agree personal terms.
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