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Ings, Harry Wilson, Shaqiri and transfer quirk Liverpool set to deal with

  /  autty

Liverpool have won plenty of games by a one-goal margin this season.

But there are not many occasions where they have genuinely had a wobble.

The 2-1 win at Southampton back in August, though, was an uncomfortably close call.

Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino had given the Reds what looked like a solid lead with 72 minutes gone.

But Danny Ings scored nine minutes later after a bizarre error from Adrian.

And with 85 on the clock Ings almost netted again, missing a genuine sitter inside the six-yard box.

Liverpool were almost punished by their former striker who has remained fit and carried on firing all season.

Ings has now notched 14 times in the league, matching Mohamed Salah, Marcus Rashford and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

He has scored once for every 123 minutes of top flight action - with only Jamie Vardy and Sergio Aguero currently boasting more goals.

When Ings left Liverpool on deadline day back in summer 2018, a deal was struck that would eventually see the Reds bank £20m with a 20% sell-on clause included.

While it felt like the right time for him to move on, the Englishman's departure signalled something new at Anfield.

There is a distinct lack of deadwood at Jurgen Klopp's disposal nowadays.

Years of shrewd investment from FSG, sharp analysis from trusted Melwood lieutenants and excellent decisions from the German himself have shaped a stellar squad.

But despite regular rotation and plenty of competitions to play in, it seems like several star names will be moving on in the next transfer window.

And that is exactly what Liverpool must now deal with. Whenever a player departs, they will certainly be a star and therefore likely to face up in opposition and potentially hurt the Reds in the future.

Ings will not be alone in having the opportunity - and the ability - to cause Klopp's team problems in 2020/21.

Xherdan Shaqiri attracted interest in January from Roma and Sevilla.

Loan moves were rebuffed by Liverpool last month, but business could be done in the coming window if an asking price of around £25million is met.

Wherever Shaqiri ends up, he will no doubt be an asset and is undoubtedly capable of performing at the highest level.

The same could be said for Dejan Lovren, who Liverpool were open to selling last summer.

He was the subject of firm interest from AC Milan and Roma back in 2019.

But negotiations with Roma broke down as a loan deal was sought by the Italians rather than anything that met Liverpool's valuation of €15million (£13.9m) plus bonuses.

At 30 years of age, the Croatian has several seasons of elite-level football left to play and it would be no surprise to see him in the Champions League somewhere next term.

Adam Lallana is another preparing to leave in the coming months.

He is in the final year of his contract and the Reds are not believed to be in discussions with the 31-year-old over an extension.

And Lallana is understood to be attracting Premier League interest from the likes of Arsenal, Spurs and Leicester City.

Harry Wilson's future is less certain.

He could not have done much more to impress while on loan at Bournemouth.

The 22-year-old is their current joint-top scorer in the league with seven goals, the same as Callum Wilson.

But with Curtis Jones and other young prospects progressing rapidly back at his parent club, will that even be enough?

Premier League sides are sure to be making enquiries to the Reds on Wilson's availability.

Some more uncomfortable reunions could be on the cards next season then, with the distinct possibility of Liverpool coming up against top players who Klopp has helped develop.

But their sales are likely to boost Liverpool's summer spending power further.

And while they may represent a thorn in the side for the Reds in a handful of games domestically or in Europe, Klopp will hold no real fear and have no regrets.

His Liverpool side are at the peak of their powers. And they look like they are only just getting started.