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Man City transfer trick should lead Liverpool to record-breaking teenager after Anfield visit

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Man City transfer trick should lead Liverpool to record-breaking teenager after Anfield visit

Because of the gaping chasm between the two sides when it comes to financial parity, Liverpool and Manchester City are rarely ever in competition in the transfer market. Rather, the battle takes place on the field.

And, while it’s unfeasible for Liverpool to conduct the same kind of business as their arch-rivals, it is possible from time to time to copy some of City’s tactics.

One area where Liverpool needs to grow as the club embarks on a mission to rebuild a new squad for Jürgen Klopp is in the field of attracting young players to Anfield.

READ MORE: Fabinho transfer gamble becomes clear as Jürgen Klopp ‘finalizes’ Liverpool three-man shortlist

READ MORE:Neymar and Lionel Messi could join Liverpool rivals and it may hand Jürgen Klopp a boost

Manchester City has become a champion of this recently, signing teenagers from all around the globe and building a powerful academy and loan network that not only creates players for Pep Guardiola’s first team but also generates income for the club.

Liverpool needs to adopt a similar policy, and the club could begin with a player currently catching the eye in a league where Manchester City recently shopped.

Last season, Hungary’s outstanding breakthrough talent, Zalán Vancsa, broke onto the scene in the top flight for MTK Budapest, and he was signed by The City Group, owners of Manchester City, after catching the eye.

Since then, he has joined one of City’s feeder clubs in Lommel SK, and is making good progress despite his tender age.

This season, there is a new star in Hungary following in Vancsa’s path. 17-year-old Krisztián Lisztes has recently become the youngest Hungarian ever to appear in a UEFA-run competition when he came on against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League for Ferencváros, beating Dominik Szoboszlai’s record in the process.

And since then, he has taken to senior football like a duck to water. With four goals and one assist in five games in the league, Lisztes has had a sensational emergence.

Krisztián Lisztes is a player who should be on Liverpool’s transfer radar.

(Image: Laszlo Szirtesi/Getty Images)

Despite only breaking onto the scene towards the latter stages of the season, currently no 17-year-old has more goal contributions in Europe’s top 30 leagues than the Hungarian. An incredible stat considering he only played 160 minutes in total and averages a goal contribution every 35 minutes at club level.

Of course, this is a very small sample to analyze him on, but Lisztes has been highly rated in Hungary for a while now. He caught the eye with several outstanding goals at youth level for the national team, and is the son of a famous father of the same name who played for Bundesliga giants Werder Bremen and Stuttgart and even won the Bundesliga in his heyday.

A versatile player who can be explosive on the ball and blessed with an explosion of energy and a venomous shooting ability, Lisztes has all the traits to become a standout player in European football.

No doubt, some of Europe’s elite are probably already keeping a close eye on him, and Liverpool should be among them.

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Last year, the young midfielder was given a taste of what it would be like to play for the club while on international duty with the Hungarian U19 team. He, alongside his teammates, was given a tour of Anfield, which we wrote about here.

Liverpool would be smart to give him another tour.

The club needs to invest in young talent of his ilk. Buying players at this age and at this stage of their development not only gives Klopp more room to mold them, but it also saves FSG a lot of money.

At this trajectory, Lisztes could be worth a hefty price tag in a few years, but now Liverpool might still be able to land him for a reasonable fee.

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Jurgen Klopp admits he is willing to switch transfer targets if clubs inflate prices

Jurgen Klopp admits he is willing to switch transfer targets if clubs inflate prices due to Liverpool’s need for players… but insists the Reds WILL bring in a raft of new facesLiverpool missed out on Jude Bellingham but are set to sign other targetsMason Mount and Alexis Mac Allister are among those on the Reds’ wanted listKlopp insisted Liverpool won’t overpay for players in the transfer market

Published: 23:10 BST, 5 May 2023 | Updated: 23:10 BST, 5 May 2023

Liverpool are primed for a summer of significant change. Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, James Milner and veteran goalkeeper Adrian are all out of contract and Klopp is determined to bring in a raft of new faces.

Having pulled out of the race to sign Real Madrid-bound Jude Bellingham, Klopp was determined that Liverpool would maximise their ability to invest and they have formulated plans to get the targets they need on board as quickly as possible.

Chelsea’s Mason Mount is a prime target. The England international is held in high regard within Anfield and he would be keen to work under Klopp, given his style and character fit in in perfectly with how the Liverpool manager sees the game.

Alexis Mac Allister, Brighton’s Argentine World Cup winner, figures prominently on the wanted list along with Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich – though the Germans are reluctant to let him leave – and Matheus Nunes from Wolves, in whom Liverpool’s interest goes back 12 months.

None of this will come cheap and it begs the question whether selling clubs will put a ‘tax’ on for Liverpool, knowing how desperate they are to sign midfielders. Klopp, though, is unperturbed and will have no issue switching targets if a premium is put on to a price when they come calling.

Jurgen Klopp has insisted he is willing to change transfer targets if clubs ask for too much

Brighton-bound James Milner is one of several players set to leave Liverpool this summer

Mason Mount (left) and Alexis Mac Allister (right) are on the Reds’ shortlist of targets

Asked what would happen if transfer fees are inflated for LIverpool, Klopp replied: ‘We cannot buy the player then. If they are overpriced we cannot do it. We will bring in players. I am pretty sure we will bring in the players we want and those who will help us. I am pretty confident of that.

‘You never know 100 per cent until they are signed, but that is not new that some clubs might try (to inflate prices). Let me say it like this: you identify a position and you have not only one option on the position. That means they should all be good, to be honest really good, you might have a favourite.

‘But if the other club doesn’t want to sell or someone else will pay the price that we cannot go with it, but usually we got the players we wanted.

Klopp is looking to rebuild his Reds team after a disappointing campaign this season

The team have however enjoyed a revival of sorts are are chasing a European finish

‘The one thing is can we afford them and then they are here. I don’t think too much about that to be honest.’

Liverpool’s recent revival has seen them reel off five straight wins but Klopp is not convinced that four more victories will carry his side into the Champions League places – he expects Manchester United and Newcastle United to get the points they require.

But he does see a long-term benefit to this good run of form and believes it will show potential targets that Liverpool can recover to compete for the top prizes next year. In an ideal world, he would like the bulk of business done before the squad return on July 8.

‘These five games I like the reaction in moments,’ said Klopp. ‘It is not full games and I am thinking we couldn’t have played better, but the signs I saw are really promising and I am happy with that. Another four games, a break then a proper pre-season and we will be strong.’

RRAD MORE…

Liverpool news and transfers – Moises Caicedo claim, Alexis Mac Allister latest, Romeo Lavia eyed

Hello and welcome to the ECHO’s Liverpool FC news and transfers blog for Friday, May 5.

Liverpool continue to be linked with Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as reports ramp up surrounding a proposed move to Anfield from the Seagulls.

In a move which would see a Reds player go the other way, the ECHO reported yesterday that James Milner is set to leave at the end of the season. The veteran is out of contract on Merseyside in the summer and has been linked with a move to the AMEX Stadium.

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been linked with a shock move to Liverpool as the transfer speculation ramps up.

Liverpool made it five wins in five with their triumph over Fulham as they keep the pressure on the Champions League places. Jurgen Klopp will be addressing the media today ahead of their clash with Brentford.

Get involved and send your thoughts to @LivEchoLFC and don’t forget to subscribe to our free Liverpool FC newsletter, our YouTube channel and listen to our Blood Red Podcast – with all your favourite ECHO regulars including Paul Gorst, Ian Doyle, Joe Rimmer, Sean Bradbury, Theo Squires, Tom Cavilla, Keifer MacDonald and Charlotte Coates.

Follow our dedicated Liverpool blog updates below.

Liverpool FC home kit

The new Nike 2023/24 home shirt is based on Bill Shankly’s last season in charge of the Reds, 50 years ago. You can pre order men’s, women’s and children’s kits now. The kit will arrive in stores on 18 May.

21:40Connor O’Neill

Liverpool Champions League poll

19:54Connor O’Neill

Chelsea in ‘Lavia talks’

Chelsea are reportedly in talks to convince Romeo Lavia to sign alongside Mauricio Pochettino.

That’s according to Football Insider, who are reporting that talks between Lavia and the Blues have been ongoing for the last two months as they eye up a summer swoop for the Southampton star.

The claim comes on the day the midfielder was linked with a move to Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp plans a summer revamp of his midfield.

Roméo Lavia is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar. (Image: Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)

17:20Connor O’Neill

Liverpool ‘cool interest’ in Caicedo

Liverpool have reportedly cooled their interest in Moises Caicedo.

That’s according to Football Insider, who are reporting that Liverpool are unlikely to join the battle for the midfielder’s signature, with their attention instead focused on his Brighton teammate Alexis Mac Allister.

The report goes on to claim that the Ecuadorian is expected to be the subject of a heated transfer tussle this summer with both Arsenal and Chelsea keen.

Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo. (Image: Sky Sports/YouTube)

16:11Connor O’Neill

Pick your Liverpool team to face Brentford

14:28Charlotte Coates

Brighton name prices

According to Sky Sports, Brighton want more than £70 million each for Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister.

The Seagulls rejected a £70m bid from Arsenal in January for Caicedo and still hold an interest, along with other top Premier League clubs.

Liverpool have been speaking to the reps of Mac Allister as they look to seal the deal before rivals get involved.

Alexis Mac Allister celebrates with teammate Moises Caicedo after the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on May 04, 2023 (Image: Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

14:12Charlotte Coates

Injury update

Jurgen Klopp confirmed Roberto Firmino has not returned to team training yet and will miss the match tomorrow against Brentford.

Jordan Henderson is also a fitness doubt after undergoing a scan on an issue. Klopp said it is not a major problem but could keep him out of tomorrow.

Diogo Jota is still struggling with the back injury he picked up in the win over West Ham, but he should be fit enough to be involved.

Naby Keita is still out.

Liverpool attacker Diogo Jota was the match-winner against Spurs but it remains to be seen what role he will play vs Brentford (Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

13:17Charlotte Coates

James Milner to Brighton

“Brighton are set to sign James Milner, here we go — the final proposal and all the clauses have been accepted. Deal will be valid until June 2024.”

13:05Charlotte Coates

Liverpool interested in Caicedo

According to GOAL’s Neil Jones, Liverpool retain an interest in Brighton midfield duo Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo.

Mac Allister is high up the list of Liverpool’s priorities ahead of the summer, but it has now emerged the Reds are interested in his team mate Caicedo.

Caicedo was the subject of interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in January, but Brighton rejected an £80 million bid. The midfielder has now signed a new deal.

Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion (Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

11:23Charlotte Coates

Big news for Liverpool Women

Liverpool Women could welcome back star striker Leanne Kiernan against Manchester City on Sunday. She trained on Tuesday and will do so again today & tomorrow.

Kiernan has been out for most of the season after undergoing ankle surgery on her ligaments.

Matt Beard: “It’s great to have Leanne back. She’s such a bubbly character and had an infectious personality. What I love about Leanne is her work ethic and she definitely knows where the goal is.”

BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Leanne Kiernan of Liverpool inspects the pitch prior to the FA Women’s Super League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Prenton Park on September 18, 2022 in Birkenhead, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

11:07Charlotte Coates

Have your say!

Have Liverpool made the right decision to play the national anthem before kick off against Brentford on Saturday to mark the coronation of their Majesties the King and Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey.

The Premier League contacted all clubs who will have a home fixtures to make the request.

10:14Charlotte Coates

Alexis Mac Allister update

Transfer speculation is getting more intense with the season soon coming to a close and the transfer window will be upon us before you know it.

“Alexis Mac Allister is keen on Liverpool move; there are still details to be clarified before full agreement on personal terms. Understand negotiations will continue in the next 2 weeks. Manchester United remain interested but it depends on club’s sale.”

10:05Charlotte Coates

National anthem update

Liverpool are going to play the national anthem before kick-off against Brentford after request was made by the Premier League to all of the sides playing at home this weekend to mark the coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey.

“Liverpool have held discussions with many stakeholders this week and are aware there is strong opinion against playing the national anthem. A significant number of supporters made clear their opposition to the suggestion with chants during Wednesday’s Premier League win over Fulham at Anfield.”

09:17Charlotte Coates

Brighton CEO on losing key players

Brighton CEO Paul Barber spoke before he watched his side beat Man United 1-0 at the Amex Stadium last night as Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for Alexis Mac Allister.

“Well, there’s always going to be rumours when we do well and our people do well. There’s always going to be bigger clubs playing at a higher level looking to take our best people – but all we can do is perform at our highest potential, hopefully get to the highest position we ever have done in the Premier League and we’re confident we can keep our best people here for as long as possible.

“But you can never say anything is guaranteed in football and we’re certainly going to work hard to keep the best people here. First of all, we know it’s going to happen so we have to prepare for it as best as we can in advance. We try and bring more young players into the club, we try and look for where we’re potentially most vulnerable in terms of outgoings, and then we try to create the best possible environment we can for our own players so they want to stay here.

“I think every club these days is a selling club to some extent, even the biggest clubs sometimes get tempted by unbelievable offers for their players. Our challenge is to make sure that when we do lose players we’ve got player either already in the door, which is our ideal position, or coming back very quickly after them.

“That’s what we’ll keep trying to do, we’ll keep recruiting as we have done and hopefully building value for the club for the future.”

Alex Mac Allister is valued at around £60million by Brighton (Image: Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

09:04Charlotte Coates

Changes are coming

Liverpool will keep an open mind, with nothing yet set in stone, for a number of players this summer. This includes the likes of Fabio Carvalho, Caoimhin Kelleher, Nat Phillips, Joel Matip, Rhys Williams and Kostas Tsimikas.

Jurgen Klopp has plenty of decisions to make with changes coming to his squad at Liverpool during the summer.

The likes of Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner are already leaving the club and more could follow.

Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates after scoring

08:41Charlotte Coates

Debut

The new home kit will be worn for the first time in just over two weeks when Aston Villa come to Anfield on Saturday, May 20.

It will be Liverpool’s final home game of the season and it will give the Anfield faithful the chance to see the kit in action for the first time.

08:00Charlotte Coates

What do you think?

And here it is, the home kit for next season! Will Liverpool make it a kit to remember as they look to improve on this campaign.

We won’t be seeing the likes of Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the shirt, but could see some new additions in it.

I’m a fan!

Mohamed Salah wearing the Liverpool Nike home shirt for 2023/24.

07:55Charlotte Coates

Have your say!

Have your say on the Premier League table and where Liverpool will finish. The Reds are now four points behind Manchester United in fourth spot and have a chance to close that gap to just a single point if they beat Brentford at Anfield tomorrow.

United will have two games in hand to extend the gap, but the first comes away at West Ham on Sunday night. They could be under significant pressure by then.

United are favourites for fourth, but Liverpool are certainly putting them under immense pressure.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

07:46Charlotte Coates

An urge to move fast

The pursuit for Alexis Mac Allister is on and Liverpool are wanting to move fast in order to secure his signature from Brighton with both Manchester clubs reportedly keen on the World Cup winner.

It’s clear to see Mac Allister would be a great addition for any side in the in the Premier League and Jurgen Klopp wants the 24-year-old at Anfield as the midfield rebuild starts.

Read what the ECHO’s Paul Gorst has reported on Liverpool’s hunt for the Argentine star.

07:40Charlotte Coates

Something is coming…

Something is going to be revealed at 8am this morning after a teaser video was released by the LFC Twitter account last night.

Stay tuned and we’ll have all of the information on what it is in just 20 minutes.

07:23Charlotte Coates

Is there hope?

We know it’s probably too late now, but is there a slight bit of hope? Liverpool are still four points behind Manchester United in fourth place after Brighton beat them 1-0 thanks to a 99th minute Alexis Mac Allister penalty at the Amex Stadium.

United do still have two games in hand over the Reds, but Liverpool can pile pressure on with a win tomorrow over Brentford – taking the gap to just a point.

Are United getting nervous? They play West Ham United away on Sunday night.

Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton & Hove Albion scores the team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United 

Stay tuned and we’ll be bringing you the latest on the move for Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister as well as something special at 8am today.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on May 04, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty I

Liverpool odds to sign Alexis Mac Allister

He was the hero against Manchester United.

Could he be in a Liverpool shirt next season?

According to BonusBetCodes…. yes!

Liverpool: 2/5

Manchester Utd: 4/1

Manchester City: 16/1

Arsenal: 33/1

Chelsea: 33/1

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on May 04, 2023 in Brighton, England 

Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool transfer latest

Liverpool have placed Alexis Mac Allister near the top of their transfer shortlist this summer but are braced for competition as the race hots up for the Brighton midfielder.

The Reds recently took the decision to step away from a club-record pursuit of the £130m-rated Jude Bellingham in favour of spreading their transfer budget for the summer across a handful of other, less expensive options and Mac Allister is one of those that fits the bill.

Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, Chelsea duo Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount are three others under consideration, while the Reds have also been linked in connection with Florentino Luis at Benfica and Sporting Lisbon’s Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte.

Click here for the full story.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on May 04, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Stephen Killen

Jurgen Klopp press conference

Jurgen Klopp will address the media today at 1.30pm.

Stephen Killen

Liverpool and Nike set to unveil new kit

Liverpool teased their new home kit for the 2023/24 campaign on Thursday.

We’ve seen reports of it in recent weeks but the excitement is building over what the Reds will be adorning next season.

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