Liverpool face a crucial few weeks in the transfer window as Andoni Iraola seeks to reshape the squad following a disappointing campaign last term. The Reds finished fifth in the Premier League and failed to reach the semi-finals of any competition, leading to the exit of Arne Slot and the hiring of former Bournemouth manager Iraola in his stead.
The Spaniard has already completed his opening acquisition by securing highly-rated Osasuna winger Victor Munoz in a £34million deal. He has also been joined by French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who officially finalised his switch to Merseyside on July 1 after Liverpool agreed a £55m arrangement with Rennes back in January.
World Cup wonderkid targeted
The World Cup has historically been an excellent platform for young talents to showcase themselves. This summer's tournament in North America has proved no exception, with Liverpool reportedly amongst the clubs tracking 17-year-old Mexican winger Gilberto Mora.
The teenage prodigy made history on Wednesday when he featured in the starting line-up against Ecuador, becoming the second youngest player to start a World Cup knockout fixture, behind only Brazil icon Pele. According to De Telegraaf, the Club Tijuana starlet is set for a switch to the Premier League, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea all showing interest.
Though the Reds may need to exercise patience, with visa requirements preventing Mora from relocating to England until he reaches 18 in October. "In six months, during the winter transfer window, Gilberto Mora is going to take off [...] he's going to be a Premier League," TNT Sports' Mexico journalist Rodrigo Lara told AS Mexico. "I can't say which team...Today, after the match against Ecuador and after the England game, things are going to move forward for Gilberto Mora. The information I have is that Gilberto Mora will play in the Premier League."
Bournemouth agree double deal
For years, Liverpool made a habit of plundering Southampton for their finest talent. Now, the same pattern appears to be unfolding further along the south coast.
The Reds have already snapped up Iraola, Hughes and left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, while they have also been heavily linked with Brazilian forward Rayan. The roster of those making the journey from Dorset to Merseyside has now grown even longer after the club confirmed that Cherries coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper will become part of Iraola's backroom staff at Anfield.
The duo, who both played for Bournemouth before transitioning into coaching roles, will join the first-team backroom staff following discussions with their former club. They will join forces with assistant coach Pablo de la Torre and first-team tactical analyst Tom Weber, both of whom also worked alongside Iraola during his time on the south coast.
