Reds encouraged in Milos Kerkez chase as Arne Slot learns price tag

Liverpool are interested in signing Bournemouth defensive duo Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen in the summer transfer window - and they have received a promising update

Liverpool will not rest on their laurels after securing the Premier League title. Arne Slot's side may have clinched the title with four games to spare, but they know that strengthening is a must in the summer transfer window.

The Reds are already turning their attention to the plans for the summer, when director of football Richard Hughes will come to the fore. There are a number of positions that need to be addressed if Liverpool are to remain top of the pile next season, while their exits from other competitions revealed a lack of squad depth.

Defence is an area of interest, with the uncertainty over the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the possible departure of Kostas Tsimikas providing positions that need addressing.

Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez is expected to leave once the window opens in the summer, with Atletico Madrid a possible destination for the erratic striker. Here are the latest stories from Mirror Football on Liverpool's transfer plans.

Iraola's honest admission

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has admitted that the club will be unable to stop Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen from leaving this summer if sizeable bids arrive. Liverpool are among the clubs keen on the defensive duo and will be encouraged by Iraola's words.

"We don't really know what is going to happen in the summer, we are still focused on other things, but right now all the players are ours and, if nothing happens, they will continue to be ours next season also. So I don't think it's going to be different from other summers," he told Sky Sports.

"We will focus on trying to improve the team, and add new players if we can, and if some player leaves because someone comes with what the club considers to be a good offer, we have to be ready for those situations, but not with fear. It is something that all the clubs, especially the ones who are not at the highest level like the top, top teams, have to get used to."

Mbeumo price tag

Liverpool are among the Premier League clubs who have been keeping an eye on Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo. The forward has scored 18 goals in the Premier League this season and is reportedly considered as a possible successor for Mohamed Salah.

His form and the subsequent interest has forced Brentford into action and, according to the Telegraph, they have set an asking price of more than £60million for Mbeumo.

"I think it's pretty high, no matter what, if I'm honest," Bees boss Thomas Frank said when asked if Mbeumo's asking price could increase if he hit the 20-goal landmark. "But, as you know, he's very happy here at Brentford!"

Investor explains Wrexham choice

Kaleen Allyn, who is part of a billionaire American family, has explained why she decided to invest in Wrexham, rather than Premier League sides like Liverpool. "We looked at some Premier League-level teams but you become a fraction-of-a-fraction owner," Allyn told The Athletic. "You are a small, small investor. You don't have a lot of power. You can't really engage."

"I explained this wasn't really compelling to us. He replied: 'No, Kaleen, think lower down in the pyramid'. I'm thinking, 'Surely lower down means more risk'. I don't know if I can look my family in the face and say: 'Hey, this is going to be a great investment and be safe'.

"He just said: 'I can't give you their names at the moment but you do need to speak to these people I have in mind, please trust me' — and that's how I got introduced to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney."