Liverpool owners FSG still have time to pull off a couple of exciting deals in the final week of the transfer window. The Reds are the only Premier League club still waiting to make their first summer signing, with Arne Slot yet to welcome any new players into his squad.
Martin Zubimendi, who was previously linked with Arsenal, was reportedly earmarked as a target for the Merseyside giants earlier this month. However, it has since emerged that he will not be joining Liverpool after turning down the opportunity to move to Anfield.
The Reds have since been mentioned in connection with a host of big names but are no closer to signing any players to improve their squad this season. There are just six days until clubs will no longer be able to do business, meaning time is very much of the essence.
Express Sport takes a look at the dream scenario for Liverpool in the final week of the window…
Branthwaite joins from Everton
Liverpool are reportedly hoping to pull off an audacious move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite before the deadline. It has been reported that FSG are drawing up a surprise bid in the region of £70million, with the 22-year-old thought to be open to crossing the Merseyside divide.
It would be the most expensive signing between Liverpool and Everton in history and the first in over two decades. Abel Xavier was the last player to move across Stanley Park when he left the Toffees to join their fiercest rivals in 2002.
The prospect of Everton agreeing to sell Branthwaite to Liverpool would appear to be slim, given the backlash they would undoubtedly receive from their own supporters. However, stranger things have happened and only time will tell if Liverpool can do the unthinkable.
Valera arrives in £60 deal
The Reds are known to be chasing a new defensive midfielder and could target a move for Alan Valera after failing to sign Zubimendi. The Porto playmaker, who is reportedly valued at £60m, has reportedly been scouted by Liverpool for several years and was linked with a move earlier this summer.
Valera’s impressive range of passing and astute defensive qualities would make him a good fit for Liverpool in the middle of the pitch. He already has experience playing alongside Alexis Mac Allister for Argentina and has plenty of room to improve at just 23 years of age.
Three players leave Anfield
Liverpool could benefit from sending Ben Doak and Kaide Gordon out on loan to accelerate their development and get them used to senior football. Both players would be capable of impressing in the Championship or League One, with a host of EFL clubs likely to be interested in snapping them up.
The Reds may also decide to finally sell Nat Phillips, who has made no secret of his desire to leave Anfield in search of regular minutes. He was recently the subject of a reported £4m bid from Turkish side Trabzonspor, but that proposal was said to have been turned down.
