Liverpool transfer news amid $81M 'talks' as Chelsea target wants Anfield move

Liverpool transfer news as Richard Hughes is linked with a raid on his old club, while the Reds are tipped to beat Chelsea to an $81M midfield target this summer

Eli Junior Kroupi has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool is back on track for Champions League qualification, which will come as a major boost ahead of what will be another big summer.

Saturday’s 2-0 win over Fulham, courtesy of goals from Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah, means the Reds hold on to fifth in the Premier League, which will be enough to secure a spot at Europe’s top table next season.

That could prove to be crucial, even if another big spending spree like last summer is unlikely, with replacements for club legends Salah and Andy Robertson needed as a minimum, while other positions may need to be strengthened.

Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the latest transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds.

Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth)

Liverpool is among the clubs preparing to make a move for Eli Junior Kroupi this summer, according to Caught Offside.

The 19-year-old bagged his 10th league goal of the season as he helped Bournemouth put a big dent in Arsenal’s title hopes on Saturday, with interest said to be growing after his performance at the Emirates Stadium.

Liverpool and Chelsea are said to hold a “very concrete interest”, with it suggested that the Reds’ sporting director Richard Hughes may have already held some conversations with his former club. It’s also claimed that Bournemouth could let Kroupi go for around £60 million ($81M).

Liverpool.com says: Kroupi is certainly a player to keep a close eye on. It's been an impressive debut season, especially for a 19-year-old, and if he carries on in the same manner, he will have plenty of big sides fighting for his signature.

It does feel like it may be a little too soon to be going for him though. If Liverpool were to sign another striker, then a young one like Kroupi would make the most sense to go along with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, but $81M would be a lot to part with for a player who has only had one season in the Premier League.

Joao Gomes (Wolves)

Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes has decided he wants a move to Liverpool over Chelsea or Manchester United, according to reports in Brazil.

With Wolves almost certainly relegated from the Premier League at this point, clubs will no doubt be looking at Rob Edwards’ side for any potential deals. Gomes is one of those who looks likely to move on, with South American outlet RTI claiming that Liverpool, Chelsea and United are all interested.

Joao Gomes could leave Wolves this summer(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

Encouragingly for the Reds, the 25-year-old is said to want a move to Anfield. At present, it’s suggested that Wolves is willing to do business for $81M, although that price could come down after the club’s relegation.

Liverpool.com says: Although Wolves haven't been great this season, Liverpool already knows there is some value to be had from signing players from relegated sides. There is no better example of that than Andy Robertson.

The Reds could do with another option in midfield, although that might not be a priority this summer. Having said that, surely Wolves could be talked down from that asking price, which might make Gomes a more attractive prospect.