Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister are both wanted by Premier League rivals, with a double sale likely to fetch as much as £160m.
There is still plenty of transfer work to be done at Anfield before the transfer window slams shut on 1 September at 11 pm, with Liverpool working to close a deal for Bradley Barcola worth £120m.
Signing the Frenchman is not contingent on any further sales, but beyond the 23-year-old, there will need to be some clever accounting to complete any other major deals.
Once Barcola is signed, it’s been reported that Gakpo will be free to join Spurs in a £75m deal. The Dutchman has been deemed as surplus to requirements, and Tottenham are seriously interested in taking him to London.
Mac Allister is a top target for Man City in the event that a deal to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea falls through, with the Argentine worth £85m to Liverpool.
What’s the latest on Gakpo and Mac Allister sales?
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports on his website: “Manchester City, as reported, remain active in the Cody Gakpo operation, for which they have entered the race to beat other clubs including Tottenham.
“The Citizens are also still in talks for Enzo Fernandez, but an agreement has not yet been reached with Chelsea for the midfielder: for this very reason, Manchester City have explored the Alexis Mac Allister option and have started initial contact for the Reds player.”
Fabrizio Romano said on YouTube: “Many questions tonight on Alexis Mac Allister as an option for Manchester City. The reality is that some intermediaries offered Manchester City the possibility to consider a move for Mac Allister.
“It was suggested by intermediaries as a potential move for Manchester City, rather than there being an official bid or something like that, as an alternative.
“It’s something that happens sometimes at top clubs when it’s very clear that they need to sign someone in a certain position and it’s just a few days to go.
“So, obviously offering opportunities, suggesting opportunities. Enzo Fernandez remains the priority.”
What is Liverpool’s stance on selling Mac Allister?
Gakpo is free to leave once a deal for Barcola is finished, but what do Liverpool want to do with Mac Allister?
The Argentine started Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on the bench, but when he was introduced after 63 minutes, the Reds gained much greater control in midfield.
An earlier report from The Athletic’s Gregg Evans and James Pearce suggests that Liverpool have no plans to let Macca leave.
The two journalists said in a joint report: “Another player not likely to move is Alexis Mac Allister, who has been linked with various clubs over the past week. Mac Allister joined Liverpool’s pre-season on Monday having had an extended post-World Cup break and is expected to be a key part of the squad this season.
“With Curtis Jones’ future uncertain, it’s unlikely the club would listen to offers for a second senior midfielder so close to the new season, even with Mac Allister only having two years left on his contract.”