Barcelona and Real Madrid vie for Liverpool ace as two summer transfer priorities identified

Liverpool have reportedly sent their chief scout to South America to assess some players ahead of the summer, with two priorities emerging before the transfer window opens. Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Barcelona are both reportedly considering signing a Reds midfielder who will arrive this summer.

Arne Slot will lose some big names, but there will be more additions to Liverpool's roster than Jürgen Klopp leaves for the Dutchman. Just as important, if not more important than any transfer deal that might arise, will be tying down key men, including Virgil van Dijk, to new contracts. Here's your summary of the latest Liverpool news.

Liverpool embark on reconnaissance trip to South America

Chief scout Barry Hunter has already traveled to Brazil to scout the country's best young talent, 90Min has claimed. Apart from the top European leagues, it is suggested that Liverpool are also evaluating the best players in South America.

As well as scouting players in Brazil, the report also adds that Liverpool have two positional priorities this summer: central defender and attack. Significant changes are not necessary given the team's current state, but additional improvements should ideally arrive well before the preseason begins.

Real Madrid and Barcelona vie for Liverpool ace

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcântara said goodbye to Anfield on the same day as Jürgen Klopp (just like Joel Matip) with the Spanish ace leaving after four years on Merseyside. Unfortunately, the main story of his time at Liverpool has been injury problems.

Nonetheless, Fichajes reports that Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing him on a free transfer and that the 33-year-old would be open to returning to Spain. The latter, according to AS, could even offer him a position in Hansi Flick's coaching team (half-coach, half-player) when the former Germany boss succeeds Xavi, who will leave Barcelona this summer.

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