Arne Slot is finally set to welcome his first signing since replacing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool's new head coach with Spanish media insisting that the Reds are set to stump up enough cash to meet Martin Zubimendi's release clause at Real Sociedad.
But their hopes of bringing in former Everton star Anthony Gordon from Newcastle look dead and buried after the England winger made a surprise appearance for the Toon in their latest pre-season friendly.
And former goalscorer Michael Owen believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold may be powerless to turn down an offer from Real Madrid if it arrives.
With less than a week to go before the Premier League season kicks off, here are the big tales from Anfield.
Zubimendi close
Liverpool remain locked in negotiations with Real Sociedad over the signing of Martin Zubimendi, although they are determined to complete the deal.
The Reds continue to target their first transfer for new boss Arne Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp earlier this summer. The 25-year-old Zubimendi has emerged as the club's primary target as they attempt to strengthen their options in the centre of midfield.
The Spaniard, who won Euro 2024 with Spain this summer, featured for 45 minutes in Sociedad's friendly with Union Berlin on Friday but negotiations continue for his signature. Anfield sporting director Richard Hughes is in talks with his counterparts from the Basque side.
Liverpool had been hoping to land a favourable structure to the deal, but Zubimendi holds a release clause in his contract of €60million that can be activated, and on Saturday Spanish media said that the Reds are ready and willing to pay that release clause in full.
Gordon U-turn
Anthony Gordon showed why Eddie Howe will “fight tooth and nail” to keep him at Newcastle by scoring on his quick return from England Euros duty in a friendly against Genoa.
The winger, an £80m summer target for Liverpool, made a surprise start against Champions League-bound Girona on Friday. He netted a first half goal and Newcastle ran riot grabbing four goals in the first half.
Howe threw him into the mix and said he looked “sharp” with Alexander Isak also lightning quick against La Liga ’s third placed outfit from last season.
Gordon was offered to Liverpool at the end of June as Newcastle scrambled to raise cash to meet PSR rules and avoid a points deduction. But he is now expected to remain at St James' Park.
Trent's Real attraction
Real Madrid may prove too irresistible of a destination for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool icon Michael Owen has warned..
Alexander-Arnold developed into a top-drawer inverted right-back and one of the best passers around under the only boss he's ever known, Jurgen Klopp, and is set to reprise his role under new manager Arne Slot.
However, with the emergence of Conor Bradley at Anfield and Real Madrid's current right-back, Dani Carvajal, reaching the end of his prime, Los Blancos have identified the Englishman as a potential summer recruit. And it may be hard to stop Alexander-Arnold from a trip to Spain.