'RIDICULOUS' Olmo bid, Gordon DECISION - Liverpool transfer news today

Here's our Liverpool FC transfer recap for Sunday 28 July, with updates on Sepp van den Berg, Dani Olmo and Anthony Gordon.

The summer transfer window has been open for quite some time now and whilst the first signing of the Arne Slot era is yet to be announced, the Reds continue to be linked with reinforcements - as well as sales - ahead of the new season.

Van den Berg hints at u-turn

All summer it has looked like defender Sepp van den Berg would be among those sold by Liverpool amid the defender's own admission of wanting first-team football and a reported price-tag of £16m.

However, after being handed a start in the Reds' pre-season friendly win over Real Betis, the defender has conceded that he could yet stay at the club after all.

“I’m still a Liverpool player. I enjoy it here, really," he told Sky Sports. "It’s been a very nice pre-season. Of course, new coach, like new era starts, fresh training, new style of play. I really like it.

"For me, it’s just about game time and, at the moment, I’m getting it here. So I’m happy at the moment, but like I said, it’s still early. You never know what can happen, but for me the most important thing is playing.

"If I can do it here, there’s no better place. It’s one of the biggest, if not the biggest, clubs in the world, so if it’s here, it’s my dream.

"But for me, the most important thing is playing, so I will see what happens."

Liverpool tipped to follow up O'Riley interest

Last week, journalist Rudy Galetti claimed Liverpool were 'well informed' on the situation around Celtic star Matt O'Riley and now they've been given the go-ahead by club legend John Barnes to pursue a deal.

On the back of an incredible 18-goal season, the 23-year-old is also generating interest from Atletico Madrid whilst Atalanta have seen three bids rejected for the midfielder.

With Celtic standing firm over O'Riley as they remain determined to get get top dollar for the Danish international if they are to sell him, Liverpool have been urged to enter the bidding war by Barnes - even if the midfielder wouldn't necessarily start for the Reds.

"Liverpool have Szoboszlai and MacAllister who are midfielders and, if (Stefan) Bajcetic is used as a six, should (O’Riley) take over for those two? I highly doubt it," Barnes told Tipsbladet.

"But when you talk about having a good squad, he could be a player who comes in and complements what we have.

"I don’t know if he will come in and start, but he will be a welcome addition to the squad. If we can get a good player with that quality at a fair price, I don’t see why not."

Kubo truth

The beginning of the week was of significance to Liverpool fans amid claims the club were busy finalising a deal to sign Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad.

However, David Lynch, of the Anfield Agenda, has revealed there is absolutely nothing in claims such claims, doubling down on what fellow journalist Lewis Steele has previously said about the transfer rumour.

“Yeah, so Kubo, I got a very cold reception on this when I checked in with sources at Liverpool. It doesn’t look to me like he will be a target," Lynch said.

"There is certainly no truth to those reports that a deal is close to being agreed or anything like that. Maybe someone Liverpool have looked at, but absolutely no truth that a deal is close, so take those ones with a pinch of salt."

Olmo bid to be rejected

Liverpool have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo following his exceptional displays for Spain en route to glory at Euro 2024.

Given the relationship between the two clubs which has seen the Reds sign Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai whilst sending Fabio Carvalho out on loan in return, it appeared this could work in their advantage.

Particularly with regard to negotiations as the reported €60m (£51m) release clause Olmo's contract has now expired, with the Bundesliga outfit willing to let the 26-year-old depart should an appropriate bid arrive.

But if Liverpool are keen on a deal they'll have to make sure their bid is taken more seriously than Barcelona's after Spanish outlet SPORT, revealed the payment structure of the La Liga's €60m offer was of concern to Leipzig.

According to the report, €40m was a base fee to be paid in €10m instalments across the next four January windows with the rest offered in bonuses: €5m for each La Liga and Champions League title won (maximum of two titles for each competition).

It's claimed Leipzig reportedly view the offer as 'ridiculous' and 'surreal', meaning it's extremely likely that it will be rejected immediately.

Gordon to be offered new deal

Newcastle United have made a decision regarding Anthony Gordon and it may put an end to any rumours linking the forward to Liverpool this summer once and for all.

Linked with a return to Merseyside - 18 months after leaving Everton - only for talks between the Reds and the Magpies to break down due to a combination of the latter's asking price and insistence on inserting Jarell Quansah into a swap deal.

Although, it has been suggested by journalist David Lynch that Liverpool could still reignite their interest in the England international before the summer transfer window closes.

In fact, CaughtOffside claim that the Reds have begun renegotiating with their Premier League rivals for the 23-year-old but have been told the winger is not for sale as he remains a crucial part of Eddie Howe's plans ahead of the new campaign.

Furthermore, the same publication have stated that Newcastle are keen to extend Gordon’s contract until the summer of 2029, with talks over a renewal set to take place shortly.