Liverpool transfer news as Reds 'in talks with former Aston Villa star'

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The latest Liverpool news and transfer rumors as the Reds are linked with a swoop for a former Aston Villa winger, while a teenage Benfica defender is also on their radar

Moussa Diaby of (Image: 2026 Getty Images)

Liverpool is reportedly in contact with Moussa Diaby over the possibility of the former Aston Villa player moving to Anfield during the summer transfer window.

Diaby left Villa to join Al Ittihad in 2024, but German outlet Fussball Daten says that he could be targeted for a return to the Premier League in the off-season. The winger was in talks with Inter Milan during the January transfer window, but a move did not materialize and he remains keen on the idea of a return to Europe.

Al Ittihad paid $67 million for Diaby two years ago, and at 26 years old the best years of his career should be ahead of him.

Liverpool is reportedly one of several Premier League clubs that are in "close contact" with Diaby's camp ahead of a possible summer swoop.

Chelsea and Newcastle are also said to be interested in taking him to England, while Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid are mentioned as possible destinations.

Diaby is likely to be attainable for a lower fee than the one Al Ittihad paid to sign him, with suggestions that the Saudi Pro League club would be like to accept a fee of between $41 million and $46 million.

Liverpool is expected to be in the market for a new right-sided forward this summer, and that quest would intensify if Mohamed Salah were to leave the club.

Salah is contracted to Liverpool until 2027, having signed a two-year extension last April, but his form has dipped dramatically this season and he could be sold in the summer.

Mohamed Salah could leave Liverpool this summer(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)

The Egyptian is Liverpool's highest-paid player, earning over half a million dollars each week, and has scored just five Premier League goals all season.

Liverpool is expected to receive interest in Salah from clubs in the Saudi Pro League during the off-season.

Meanwhile, Liverpool is said to be in a nine-club battle to sign highly rated Benfica youngster Daniel Banjaqui.

TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are all keen on the 17-year-old defender.

Banjaqui made his senior debut for Benfica earlier this season, and has impressed with his performances, alerting the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich to his potential.

The teenager is contracted to Benfica until next summer, which means there is a race on to secure his services this summer.