Liverpool get £40m transfer boost with £19m deal for wonderkid all wrapped up - The Mirror

Arne Slot has had absolutely no success in his first transfer window at Liverpool, but things may finally be looking up for the Dutchman at Anfield

Liverpool have been handed a boost in their long-term pursuit of PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko.

The Reds have been linked with the winger since Jurgen Klopp was still in the dugout at Anfield. His replacement Arne Slot is yet to make his first signing as Liverpool boss as transfer targets such as Martin Zubimendi have either snubbed an approach or seen a move break down.

A route towards Bakayoko appears to have been cleared, as one of his previous admirers, RB Leipzig, have seemingly calmed their interest. The Bundesliga giants reportedly identified the Belgian international as a replacement for Dani Olmo, who recently signed for Barcelona.

However, Marco Rose's side have since wrapped up a move for Club Brugge starlet Antonio Nusa, who arrived from the Belgian giants in a £19million deal. With Nusa's arrival seemingly ending the Bundesliga side's interest in Bakayoko, Liverpool may have a clear path to pursue him.

It's understood Slot has identified Bakayoko as a player who could be the long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian has been Liverpool's talisman since 2017, but has less than one year left on his deal at Anfield.

He has also been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League since last season. Liverpool currently have the likes of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Harvey Elliott, but all four are yet to record the kind of numbers Salah has.

Bakayoko is reportedly valued at around £40m by PSV. While he was being chased by the likes of Brentford and Burnley last year, Bakayoko's stock has risen after an impressive campaign.

He contributed 14 goals and 14 assists in 48 appearances in all competitions last season. While Leipzig may have all but dropped out of the running for his signature, Borussia Dortmund are also believed to be admirers.

Liverpool also have a stronger need for a new forward, having also allowed Fabio Carvalho to join Brentford for £27.5m. Slot is yet to bring any new faces in since he took over the reins from Jurgen Klopp.

But despite any potential anxiety ahead of their Premier League opener away to Ipswich Town this weekend, Slot has tried to play down their transfer concerns.

In a recent press conference, he said: "I think as a club like we are, we are always looking if we can strengthen the squad. But it’s not so easy to strengthen the squad if you see both games today.

"I’ve said many times before that I’ve inherited a really strong team and if we can and if we think it’s possible, we will strengthen the squad. But only if we think we can and if it’s possible."

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