Liverpool transfer news today: Hincapie BATTLE, Mamardashvili UPDATE & Reds OFFERED Verratti

Here is all the latest Liverpool transfer news as the Reds hunt for their first signing of the summer. 

One academy star has left the club on loan, there are some bizarre rumours about Marco Verratti and a major update on goalkeeper target Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Liverpool to fight for Piero Hincapie

Liverpool are willing to fight a host of top European clubs to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, according to a recent report. 

The Reds have been strongly linked with reinforcing their defence this summer and Hincapie is a name that has come up previously. Anfield Watch already revealed that Liverpool had seen an approach for the Ecuadorian centre-back rejected last January.

According to El Comercio, Liverpool are one of many clubs pursuing Hincapie before the transfer window shuts, with his days supposedly 'numbered' at Bayer Leverkusen.

The report states that Liverpool are among three Premier League clubs keen on the defender and will have to battle Tottenham Hotspur and rivals Manchester United for his signature.

Valencia boss speaks about Giorgi Mamardashvili

Valencia manager Ruben Baraja has revealed that there is no agreement in place between the Spanish club and Liverpool for Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

It has been widely reported that the Reds want to bring in the goalkeeper as they seek a long-term replacement for Alisson Becker and Anfield Watch understands the Euro 2024 star rejected a transfer to Chelsea earlier in the window as he favours a move to Merseyside.

Referencing Javi Guerra's collapsed move to Atletico Madrid, Baraja has effectively suggested that no deal has been reached between Valencia and Liverpool.

"Javi Guerra was almost defined, he was about to travel and there was an agreement between clubs," he said, as per Football Espana. "I’m not aware of Giorgi being in the same situation. Tomorrow we will count on him as one more."

Liverpool offered Marco Verratti this summer

One of the more bizarre rumours of the transfer window has emerged this week as Liverpool have reportedly been offered the chance to sign former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti.

The Italian, who was once described as 'a phenomenon' by eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, is currently playing his football in Qatar after joining Al Arabi in 2023.

However, according to HITC's Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are among four Premier League clubs to have been offered the veteran before the end of the summer transfer window.

The others gifted the chance to sign Verratti are Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, while several sides in Italy have been alerted to his availability.

Bayer Leverkusen want Sepp van den Berg

German champions Bayer Leverkusen have entered the race for Sepp van den Berg as interest in the Liverpool defender continues to rise ahead of transfer deadline day.

According to German news outlet Kicker, the reigning Bundesliga champions had targeted Joel Matip, who is a free agent after leaving the Reds at the end of June.

However, they are seeking a different profile of defender now that Odilon Kossounou has become increasingly likely to leave the club this summer.

In addition, the report states that Leverkusen were impressed with Van den Berg's performances for Mainz last season and view him as someone who can lead the defence.

Luca Stephenson joins Dundee United

Liverpool youngster Luca Stephenson has sealed a season-long loan with Scottish Premiership side Dundee United having featured sporadically during pre-season under Arne Slot. 

The versatile midfielder, who can play as a No.6, right-back or centre-back, spent last term on loan with League Two side Barrow, making an impressive 34 appearances across all competitions.

He was used by new Liverpool head coach Slot during pre-season with a number of senior players missing due to international commitments and he featured in all three matches on the tour of the United States.

The 20-year-old also made a cameo in the 4-1 win over Sevilla on Slot's Anfield debut last Sunday.