Liverpool transfer news today: Mbappe contact, sporting director responds

Here's our Liverpool transfer news roundup for Wednesday 14th February 2024. The Reds reportedly heard from Kylian Mbappe last year.

There isn't too much transfer talk at Liverpool right now but for good reason - they're still hunting for a new sporting director and manager. Without knowing what the plan is for next season, it's difficult to know who to sign.

Fortunately, there is talk around a new sporting director - an appointment that should precede a new manager.

As for players, there's an interesting rumour around Kylian Mbappe as his talks with Real Madrid reportedly stall. Yep, that one could start up again.

Here's our Liverpool transfer news roundup.

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Mbappe contacted Liverpool

The Reds were interested in Kylian Mbappe before his 2017 move to PSG, while he was still at Monaco. Numerous comments to the press over the years and reports of the player's mother's love for Liverpool have led to speculation that Anfield could yet be a future destination for the France captain.

Now, the Independent reports the eyebrow-raising information that "Mbappe’s wider circle reached out to Liverpool last year", amid the forward's since-resolved falling out with PSG.

However, there was no offer from the Reds' FSG ownership who didn't want him badly enough to break their wage structure.

The report claims Liverpool's title rivals Arsenal — who Mbappe would also 'willingly join' — are in a similar position financially.

This comes after talk that Mbappe and Real Madrid have no agreement over a future move and are at a standstill.

Steidten addresses Liverpool talk

In an interview with Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Tim Steidten revealed he had heard nothing from Liverpool and plans were continuing for the new season with the East London side. This comes after talk that the Reds have him high on their list.

“I've heard that I am supposed to be on the list at Liverpool,” he said. “It is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so it's an honour. But so far nobody from Liverpool has contacted me yet.

“I generally feel very comfortable at West Ham. I quickly realised how intense this league is. Accordingly, we signed the right players in the last transfer windows. The squad is strong, so we can achieve our goals.

“I am looking forward facing the next weeks and months until the end of the season. Of course we are already planing the next window. What happens to the future, we will see.”

Reds have 7-man manager shortlist

The report, in 90min, claims the Reds' FSG ownership are intent on hiring for that position before finalising their managerial search. Dan Ashworth, Paul Mitchell, Tim Steidten and Richard Hughes have all been mentioned as possible incomings for that job.

The new sporting director will therefore have input on the new manager call with 90min also claiming to know the identities of the men on the shortlist.

At number one is Xabi Alonso, who is widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed Klopp and is admired for the manner in which he has transformed Bayer Leverkusen from Bundesliga basement dwellers to champions-elect.

Also on the list are familiar names in Roberto de Zerbi of Brighton, as well as Germany national team boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham is another name jotted down. However, it has been previously reported that Spurs have no doubts he will remain at the club long term, despite his boyhood Liverpool fandom.

Ruben Amorim is also a target, albeit one with a €20m (£17m) release clause, and he has been a title winner with Sporting CP. Aston Villa’s Unai Emery is also admired, as is Benfica’s Roger Schmidt — a name rarely mentioned elsewhere in talk of potential candidates.

Gerrard could get interview

Additionally, 90min's report claims that while he is not on the seven-man list of options, club legend Gerrard could also be granted an interview, despite not being a serious candidate.

Once viewed as a near-cert to take over as Liverpool head coach one day, Gerrard's chances of landing the job have nosedived in recent years.

The 43-year-old, who came through the Liverpool Academy, sits third on the Reds' all-time appearances list and is first for appearances as captain. The former midfielder also lifted two FA Cups, three League Cups, the UEFA Cup and was instrumental in the famous 2005 Champions League win.