Liverpool are reportedly targeting a star member of Spain's World Cup-winning team, while Andoni Iraola's chances of a certain reunion this summer are on the up
Alex Scott of Bournemouth celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 2-1 during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium
Alex Scott's chances of landing a reunion with his old manager at Liverpool have taken a turn for the better(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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Liverpool's transfer odds are on the rise after Andoni Iraola's side departed for the United States. Typically, there's been a notable increase in realistic prospects this summer as soon as the team departed for their slate of friendlies in the United States.
It should come as no surprise given the club's chances of serious transfers were always liable to rise once the World Cup concluded. And that has been precisely the case as Iraola looks to leave his mark on this Liverpool line-up, with a Mohamed Salah replacement still among the top priorities.
One World Cup star in particular appears set to be on the move, with reports that the Reds have joined the pursuit. The Echo has examined that development and more as the latest transfer stories bring encouraging news to Anfield.
Scott reunion odds increase
Alex Scott's prospects of engineering a departure from Bournemouth have strengthened after he rejected a new contract. It's reportedly the second time in 2026 the English playmaker has turned down improved terms at the Vitality Stadium.
Scott, 22, developed a solid rapport with Iraola during their spell together on the south coast. The new Liverpool boss has previously praised Scott and would hold a significant edge in any transfer tussle to secure his signature.
Sky Sports News reported Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are leading Liverpool in the race. And midfield doesn't seem to be a major priority for Liverpool at present, especially given there's more pressing need for fresh additions down the right flank.
Nevertheless, with just two years left on his contract, this could represent the prime moment to bring Scott on board should Iraola wish to act. The former Bristol City talent is believed to be valued at more than £80m, with Bournemouth facing a dilemma over whether to cash in now or risk losing their prized asset for a substantially reduced sum later.
World Cup star Torres up for grabs
Ferran Torres celebrates the opening goal for Spain in the World Cup final
Ferran Torres has reportedly been put up for sale by Barcelona, with PSG among those interested(Image: FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
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Ferran Torres is reportedly being targeted for a return to the Premier League should Liverpool have their way. The development follows Spain's extra-time victory over Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final, where he netted the decisive goal.
Barcelona winger Torres emerged from the substitutes' bench to drive La Roja across the line in New Jersey and etch his name into the history books. And that strike may prove instrumental in securing a switch to Anfield this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain have been most frequently linked with the player, alongside Liverpool wing target Yan Diomande. Coupled with the fact that Les Parisiens already have Bradley Barcola, the Reds' other primary target for that position, and a head-to-head clash appears inevitable at some stage this summer.
Nevertheless, Torres would come considerably cheaper than either of those names given his age and the fact he has just 12 months remaining on his deal at the Camp Nou. L'Equipe has reported Liverpool are prepared to go toe-to-toe with PSG for his cut-price signature, with the fee allegedly somewhere in the region of £40million to £50m.
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That represents less than half the sort of figures being bandied about in connection with Diomande and Barcola. Furthermore, Torres could arguably prove a more natural fit given his familiarity with the right flank, precisely where the Reds have a Salah-shaped hole to fill.
It seems an age since Torres spent 18 months at Manchester City before making the switch to Barca in January 2022, yet he remains very much in his prime having turned 26 in February. Barca have shown little appetite for extending the contract of a player who netted 21 goals across all competitions last season but the Catalans' misfortune could yet prove beneficial for Liverpool.
In fact, Torres has notched an average of 20 goals per season over the last two campaigns for Barca and represents an incredibly versatile asset, capable of operating on either flank or as a false nine. Factor in his edge in experience having already featured in the Premier League and his signature suddenly becomes considerably more attractive.
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