Reds transfer round-up: Midfield ace targeted as talks held over 2 departures

Liverpool have already secured their first major signing of the summer transfer window with the addition of central defender Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.

The France Under-21 international’s arrival at Anfield goes a long way to fixing the club’s shortage in the heart of the defence, but it does look set to kickstart a busy transfer window.

With Ozan Kabak’s deal unlikely to be made permanent and with the exit of Georginio Wijnaldum as a free agent, there is a likelihood that the Reds squad will continue to be rejuvenated.

Alongside the hope of several first-team squad arrivals over the summer months, there are also likely to be several exits of peripheral figures at the club.

With that in mind, here is a look at the transfer window rumours around Anfield.

Tielemans targeted

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer.

The Belgian international enjoyed an outstanding campaign for the Foxes and could be a replacement for Wijnaldum in the heart of the Reds midfield.

The emergence of Curtis Jones in the first-team squad at Anfield coupled with Thiago Alcantara’s fine form means competition for places may be fierce, but the Dutchman’s exit means that a new arrival could be accommodated.

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Journalist Daniel Nilson reports that talks have been opened over a potential move, although it appears unlikely that his hefty price tag could be matched this summer.

Tielemans is a vital part of Leicester’s first team and it is unlikely that the FA Cup holders will be under any pressure to sell one of their star players this year.

Midfielder set for Berlin return

Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic could return to Hertha BSC this summer, according to a report from German outlet Tag 24 and as cited by Sport Witness.

Grujic spent two years on loan at the Bundesliga club earlier in his career but was on loan at FC Porto last season.

He looks set to depart Anfield again this summer with the report saying that his price tag has dropped from €20million to €15million, perhaps making a move more affordable.

Saints set for Minamino move

Southampton are hopeful of completing the signing of Takumi Minamino from Liverpool on a permanent deal this summer.

The Japan international impressed during a loan stint with the Saints - whom he joined in January - but has returned to Anfield this summer with an uncertain future.

Minamino had moved to the Reds from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020 but had failed to establish himself at the club, struggling to make a breakthrough into the first-team ranks.

Now aged 26, Minamino made just 31 appearances in a year at the club - starting only four Premier League matches - prior to his loan switch to the South Coast.

Minamino is now currently on international duty with Japan but could be on the move out of Liverpool this summer.