Latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip with updates on Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz and Brighton star Joao Pedro
Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on
Liverpool could be set to have a rather busy summer transfer window, based on some of the latest reports to emerge. The Reds have just a couple more weeks to wait before they are able to go into the transfer market for reinforcements.
Arne Slot's side is already being linked with several potential new signings as they look ahead to their Premier League title defence.
A host of names have been credited as potential targets for Liverpool, one of whom is Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz. The Germany international is not the only player to be linked with the Reds, though, with a busy summer potentially on the horizon.
READ MORE: Florian Wirtz could grab iconic Liverpool shirt number if he completes blockbuster transferREAD MORE: Why Bayern Munich 'fear' Liverpool in £125m Florian Wirtz transfer battle
Here, the ECHO takes a look at some of the latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip you might've missed.
Liverpool open talks with Bayern Leverkusen on Florian Wirtz deal
Liverpool have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a move for attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Last week, the Reds made it known to Leverkusen that they would be interested in signing the Germany international if he wanted to move away from the Bundesliga this summer.
Manchester City had been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, though they walked away from a deal earlier this week due to the expected overall cost.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, had been expected to win the race for Wirtz, but BILD claims that Wirtz now prefers a move to Anfield.
It is claimed that after an initial breakdown in negotiations, Bayern renewed talks with the player this week. However, it was here that he informed them of his preference to join Arne Slot's side.
Joao Pedro competition
Liverpool may face extra competition for the signing of Brighton star Joao Pedro.
Globo.com in Brazil have reported that Chelsea are stepping up their interest in signing Pedro and have prepared an offer for the striker.
It has been reported that Pedro, who has been linked with Liverpool in recent weeks, could be the subject of a €60million (£50.4million) bid from Chelsea in the near future.
Reports elsewhere have also mentioned Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton as expressing an interest in signing Pedro this summer.