Liverpool transfer news amid $58M Man Utd battle and advantage in Kees Smit race

Liverpool transfer news as Arne Slot could battle Manchester United for a $58M midfielder and the Reds are said to have an advantage in any potential race for Kees Smit

AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is being linked with Liverpool(Image: Ed van de Pol/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

Liverpool has another big summer lying ahead, whatever happens for the remainder of the current campaign, with Arne Slot's side inside the Champions League places as things stand, but with work to do.

"If there is still a chance, then I am always confident," Virgil van Dijk told reporters last weekend. "But we have to do better, of course. And if we don't, then it is going to be very difficult. Seven more games and tough ones as well, so things have to change for us to deserve [a Champions League place]."

Regardless of its European status, Slot's squad will need some upgrades when the summer comes. Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the latest transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds.

Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)

Manchester United is seriously considering making a move for Eduardo Camavinga this summer amid links with Liverpool, according to Football Insider.

The Old Trafford team might need to sign a replacement for the departing Casemiro, who will not be handed a new contract. Manuel Ugarte has not been the player that Manchester United thought he would be.

Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, Bruno Guimaraes, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have all been linked with transfers to Manchester United ahead of the summer.

Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga could be allowed to leave Spain this summer(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)

But Camavinga is said to be considering his future at Real Madrid, even though he is under contract until 2029. The Frenchman is still only 23, but could be eyeing a change of scenery.

At the Bernabeu, he has filled in at the back, playing left-back at times. A move to the Premier League would allow him the chance to play in his best position, in the center of midfield.

Liverpool.com says: Camavinga is a good player, but he is a classic in the genre of always being linked with an exit from Real Madrid without it ever actually happening. The same can be said of Aurelien Tchouameni.

Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)

Liverpool and Arsenal are leading the race for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit this summer because they are likelier than some of the other Premier League contenders to be playing Champions League soccer next season.

That is according to Football Insider, with Newcastle also keen on the 20-year-old. Elsewhere, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are also said to be interested.

Smit has played 40 senior games in the Netherlands this season, including in the UEFA Conference League. He has scored four goals and set up another eight for his teammates in all competitions.

Liverpool.com says: Smit would be best moving to a club where he is guaranteed playing time next season. Newcastle, even though it is the least likely to get into the Champions League, might be the best pick.