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Liverpool news: Barcola alternative sends message to Iraola as transfer plan clarified

Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign against Newcastle United in six days but their hunt for a new winger continues

Head coach Andoni Iraola of Liverpool during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como Calcio at AXA Training Centre

Andoni Iraola has less than a week until his first Premier League game as Liverpool boss(Image: Getty)

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Liverpool now have less than a week until their Premier League campaign begins. But Andoni Iraola's side have only welcomed in three senior signings so far.

This summer has been a relatively quiet one for the Reds. With the Iraola era underway, filling the void left by Ibrahima Konate's free transfer to Real Madrid has led the club to recruit two new centre-backs.

Jeremy Jacquet has arrived from Rennes for £60million following negotiations in January and Ronald Araujo will likely partner Virgil van Dijk to begin the season after he signed on a one-year loan deal from Barcelona. The Uruguayan can be bought after his loan spell for £47.1m.

Victor Munoz sends a message

The tail end of this transfer window appears set to be dominated by Liverpool's pursuit of Barcola. With Mohamed Salah now playing for Trabzonspor, a new superstar winger has been sought out and the Frenchman fits the bill.

Victor Munoz of Liverpool and Ivan Smolčić of Como in action during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como Calcio at AXA Training Centre

Munoz was the best player on the pitch for the Reds(Image: Getty)

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However, as things stand, PSG's £130m asking price is out of Liverpool's price range. Not to mention, Barcola primarily plays off the left, whereas a right-winger is what the Reds really desire.

Munoz might have something to say about this, though. He has proved he can play a big role under Iraola. Liverpool faced Italian side Como twice on Sunday, with the first friendly taking place behind closed doors at AXA Training Centre. Munoz was the star of the show.

The World Cup winner, who was signed from Osasuna for £34.6m in June, started on the left wing and was a danger from minute one. He tore Como right-back Ivan Smolcic to shreds and was taken off in the 46th minute of what was only a 70-minute match.

Munoz was so impressive that Iraola may need to reassess whether a player like Barcola is necessary. The French star likes it off the left and with Rio Ngumoha saying he's getting used to playing on both flanks, an alternative may already be at the club in the form of Munoz.

Curtis Jones transfer plan

Munoz's team-mate Curtis Jones seems set to leave Liverpool this summer. He has been a target for Inter Milan for some time now, with Iraola preferring other options in the middle of the park.

Liverpool's £34m demand has so far proved too pricey for Inter, who have shifted midfield star Davide Frattesi to Lazio to free up wages and space.

Curtis Jones #17 of Liverpool dribble the ball during a friendly match against Leeds United at Soldier Field

Jones' future is uncertain(Image: Getty)

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But now, reports in Italy suggest another midfielder will soon be sold, finally enabling them to scoop up Jones. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Luis Henrique, formerly of Marseille, is now on the chopping block.

When he is sold, Inter will move for the Liverpool midfielder. It is claimed that Roma are one of the few clubs interested in talking Henrique off Inter's hands.

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