Liverpool have been dealt a blow in the transfer market, as journalist Florian Plettenberg claims one target has rejected a potential move to the club.
It comes as the Reds look to improve their squad for both the short-term and the long-term, with a vision to return the club to the very top once again.
Andoni Iraola's arrival will bring a move to some more intense, pressing football, with a squad that may need transforming to meet that style.
While links with the likes of Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola continue, the Liverpool recruitment team have also been targeting other stars for the future.
One of those wonderkids, however, has seemingly turned down a move.
Kennet Eichhorn To Liverpool Rejection
Kennet Eichhorn celebrates scoring for Hertha Berlin
A deal that Liverpool have been working on in the background is a deal to sign Hertha Berlin youngster Kennet Eichhorn, who has impressed in recent months.
The 16-year-old midfielder enjoyed a breakout season in the Bundesliga 2, looking at home in senior football, despite it being so early in his career.
That has understandably drawn interest from big clubs, including Liverpool, who have recently intensified efforts to sign Eichhorn as a wonderkid for the future.
However, even with that offer being described as the "most attractive" for the youngster compared to others in the mix, Florian Plettenberg claims that he has rejected the move.
It comes as a blow for the Reds, who wouldn't have been able to sign Eichhorn permanently until he turns 18, but did have a plan to send him out on loan for the coming campaign in Germany if a transfer was agreed in advance.
The midfielder has been described as "exciting", due to his potential, but that looks as though it will be fulfilled elsewhere in Europe, and not at Anfield or in the Premier League.
Now, Liverpool must turn their attention to the next transfer priority at hand.
World Cup 2026 Quiz
You scored
↩ Play again
Liverpool's Next Transfer Priority
Andoni Iraola salutes the Bournemouth fans
Andoni Iraola salutes the Bournemouth fans
While Liverpool seem set to miss out on Eichhorn to their rivals, it may not be the blow that would come from missing out on a few other deals in the market.
The German midfielder wouldn't be able to make an immediate impact on the team, as it will take another year for him to officially arrive, and Liverpool need immediate impact.
Finding a right-wing option who can replace Mohamed Salah will be the priority, and where all the focus and attention should be placed on at the moment.
Andoni Iraola salutes the Bournemouth fans Related
Alongside Diomande: Liverpool Eyeing Move to Sign Real Madrid Star as £100m Bid Mooted
Liverpool could go big this summer.
Beyond that, extra energy and pace in the midfield would certainly help, as Alex Scott has emerged as a potential target for the Reds in the market.
It remains to be seen what other business could be ahead, but the focus must be on adding instant quality to help Iraola from the start.