Liverpool identify No.1 summer target as Man Utd plot shock bid

Liverpool are preparing for a 'big summer' after winning the Premier League title while Manchester United have work to do to merely become a top-half team once again

The wait is nearly over for the summer transfer window to open - at least the first part of it. With the Premier League season coming to an end and everything but the race for Europe wrapped up, fans are looking towards the summer as it promises to be one like never before.

That's because of the new 32-team Club World Cup. The tournament, which takes place in the United States in June and July, has led to FIFA sanctioning a new early transfer window.

It'll run from June 1 to June 10, allowing clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United to get their business done early. The pair are now level on 20 Premier League titles each but that's about all they're level on as things stand.

Both clubs are facing big summers in their own right, with Arne Slot looking to flesh out Liverpool's squad and go deeper into more competitors next term. United, on the other hand, are set to rip up their squad and allow boss Ruben Amorim to shape it in his own image.

Here's a round-up of the latest transfer news.

Liverpool make Kerkez top target

Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez has emerged as Liverpool's No.1 target this summer. The Reds want to sign a new left-back to serve as Andy Robertson's long-term successor.

Liverpool are known admirers of Wolves' Rayan Ait-Nouri, 23, but they'll pursue a move for 21-year-old Kerkez, according to the Telegraph. The Hungary international has impressed for Bournemouth this season and Arne Slot knows him from his time in the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar.

How much should Liverpool pay for Milos Kerkez? Have your say in the comments section.

Man Utd plot shock Kean bid

Manchester United are ready to make a move for Everton flop Moise Kean - if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. Italian striker Kean only scored four goals in 39 appearances during his time at Everton but averages more than a goal every other game for his current club, Fiorentina.

According to Foot Mercato, United will make a move for the 25-year-old if they aren't able to get a Champions League payday by winning the Europa League. Kean is understood to have a £42.5million release clause in his Fiorentina contract.

Brentford star: 'Mbeumo likely to leave'

Brentford captain Christian Norgaard admits that team-mate Bryan Mbeumo is 'likely' to leave the club this summer. Mbeumo, 25, has been linked with £60million moves to Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle, and Norgaard would be surprised if the 18-goal six-assist winger was still with the Bees next season.

"I think Bryan is likely to go," Norgaard told Sky Sports. "I don't know about [Yoane] Wissa yet. Everyone hopes that he might stay. Either way, I'm happy for the season and am happy for both of them. They deserve it so much."