Liverpool face a huge summer in the transfer market, and much of their business could hinge on how the Reds finish this season.
Jurgen Klopp's side take on Leeds United this weekend in a game with implications at both ends of the table. Leeds are the only opponents to win at Anfield this term, and another three points would all but end Liverpool's already slim top four hopes.
One man unlikely to move to Merseyside regardless of Liverpool's finish is Jude Bellingham, with Klopp suggesting the Reds have been priced out of a move for the England international. New midfielders could yet be on the way, though, and this is part of the focus as we look at the latest lines from around Anfield.
Carragher slams Klopp
Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher has hit out at his old club's recruitment after their move for Jude Bellingham appeared to die. The ex-England defender praised Liverpool's recruitment in years past, but suggested things have now changed as Klopp prepares for a rebuild.
"Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp built a level of trust with regards to transfers which was the envy of Europe," Carragher wrote in his column for The Telegraph. "That trust has gone with news they will not be pursuing Jude Bellingham this summer."
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"It must be won back in the next transfer window because Klopp, his recruitment team and owners Fenway Sports Group have been granted a free pass for the dire performances of the last eight months, especially away from home."
Man Utd look at ex-Reds man
Manchester United are interested in former Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic, according to reports in Serbia. Grujic was Jurgen Klopp's first Reds signing, but left for Porto in 2020, initially on loan and then permanently.
Still just 26, the former Red Star Belgrade man has been a regular in Portugal. He helped Sergio Conceicao win the domestic title last season, and they reached the last 16 of this season's Champions League.
Grujic still has three years left on his deal at Estadio Dragao, so might not come cheap. Man Utd could find themselves in need of a new midfielder come the summer, though, depending on whether they are able to clinch a permanent deal for the on-loan Marcel Sabitzer.
Chelsea ready Mount talks
Chelsea are making one final play to convince Mason Mount to stay at the club amid interest from Liverpool. The England international midfielder is out of contract in 2024, and the Blues could be forced to cash in this summer if no agreement can be reached.
Mount is still on the deal he signed in 2019, ahead of his breakout season with his boyhood club. Frank Lampard was the Blues' manager that season, and has since returned to Stamford Bridge as caretaker boss.
According to ESPN, the upcoming offer will be Chelsea's 'final push' to keep Mount in west London. The midfielder is said to want comparable wages to his club and international colleague Reece James, who agreed a new £250,000-per-week deal earlier this season.
