Almost a fortnight into the summer transfer window, business is ramping up at Liverpool. Andoni Iraola's first period of investment at Anfield looks set to accelerate amid interest in several key targets. The Reds have already spent £34.5m to recruit Victor Munoz from Osasuna, in addition to a pre-agreed deal for Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes worth up to £60m.
However, Manchester City's imminent signing of Elliot Anderson for £116m could have knock-on effects. Nottingham Forest, losing Anderson, may use the funds to target Liverpool's Curtis Jones as a replacement. The Daily Mail reports Forest are seriously considering an offer for Jones, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract. Liverpool would reportedly accept around £35m for the 25-year-old, though Inter Milan's recent £21.7m bid was rejected.
Anderson Windfall Could Seal Jones Transfer
Jones has voiced his desire to see out his entire career at Anfield, but that doesn't appear feasible. The alternative is to let him run down his contract and leave for free next summer. Instead, Liverpool are likely to cash in this summer to maximise profit on their homegrown product. City may not like the idea of a large portion of Anderson's fee going to a direct rival, but Forest will seek to squeeze as much value as possible from the transfer.
According to a source close to the negotiations, "Forest are keen to reinvest the Anderson money wisely, and Jones fits their profile perfectly. Liverpool are open to selling, but they want a fair price."
City Enter Bouaddi Pursuit
Less encouraging for Liverpool are reports that City have entered the race for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Morocco international, 18, has attracted interest from Real Madrid and PSG. Spanish newspaper Marca reports City are well in the hunt for his signature, with a £69m price tag. Bouaddi has drawn comparisons to Rodri and Fabinho.
City's intent to upgrade their midfield stems from spending much of last season without Rodri. They are casting a wide net, aiming to add Bouaddi alongside Anderson. Liverpool have their own motivation to chase reinforcements: Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are key, but Alexis Mac Allister's future is less secure amid links to Real Madrid. Mac Allister struggled under Arne Slot last term, but Iraola will likely want to work with him before making a final judgment.
Bouaddi represents the next generation of elite holding midfielders, but City's presence in the pursuit is a major obstacle for Liverpool.
