Liverpool transfer news today: midfielder set to be SOLD, Alexander-Arnold BOOST

Here is all of your latest Liverpool transfer news today on Thursday 3 October 2024 as Jarrad Branthwaite has been linked with Liverpool and Anthony Lopes has revealed Liverpool tried to sign him.

Alexander-Arnold contract boost

It is believed that Real Madrid would seek to repeat their Antonio Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe tricks, capturing an elite talent for no transfer fee in order to expand their constellation of stars.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is in a commanding position when it comes to talks with his current club and is entitled to speak to any overseas parties regarding a contract from January onwards.

However, Liverpool might well have been given a glimmer of hope in their attempts to tie down Alexander-Arnold due to the latest reports over Madrid's chase for a new right-back.

With Dani Carvajal getting on - and with an expiring contract of his own - los Blancos require a high-level defender to take over. Although Trent might well be seen as first choice, Florentino Perez's side have also been linked with Chelsea's Reece James as another option.

And now CaughtOffside is reporting that Madrid are laying the groundwork to bring Pedro Porro to the club as an alternative to pursuing the signing of Alexander-Arnold.

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Endo could be sold

Ryan Gravenberch’s emergence as a key player in Arne Slot’s side has dispelled many fans’ worries after the club failed to sign a defensive midfielder during the summer.

The Dutchman has formed a brilliant partnership with Alexis Mac Allister in the centre of midfield and has been likened to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira for his performances so far.

Slot has started the pair in all but one of Liverpool’s first nine games of the season – the 5-1 Carabao Cup win against West Ham.

However, a report from Football Insider suggests that the club are still in for a defensive midfielder, with Wataru Endo set to be sold to fund any incoming deal.

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Liverpool want Branthwaite as Van Dijk replacement

Liverpool’s centre-back partnership is flourishing right now, but there is fear on the horizon that the house of cards could come tumbling down if Van Dijk were to leave Anfield.

The Daily Mail are reporting that Liverpool are willing to beat Manchester United for the signing of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Red Devils had a £50m bid rejected for Branthwaite in the summer, with Everton reportedly eyeing at least £70m for the player. If the situation with van Dijk is deteriorating, Liverpool could move for Branthwaite in January to get ahead of any other potential suitors.

Branthwaite’s contract on the blue side of Merseyside runs until summer 2027, however with Everton in dire straits on the pitch and facing turmoil off it - and an American takeover aiming to offset the costs of the new Bramley Moore Dock Stadium - becoming a regular starter at Anfield could be enough to tempt Branthwaite across Stanley Park.

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Anthony Lopes confirms Liverpool were interested

Legendary Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, who has made 489 appearances for the club, was reportedly a target for Liverpool this summer as they looked to replace the potentially outgoing Kelleher.

According to L’Equipe (Via Get Football News France), Liverpool made an approach for the 34-year-old to become their new back-up goalkeeper in the summer, but Lopes was determined to find a move where he could be the number one.

Now, Lopes has been transfer-listed and told he will not play for Lyon again and he has spoken of his regret.

"Had [Liverpool’s approach] occurred at the end of the transfer window, maybe my choice would have been different,” Lopes told L’Equipe.

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Zubimendi doesn't regret staying

Liverpool are thriving under Arne Slot, currently sitting top of the Premier League after six matches. There was one man that Slot wanted to add to his team for this season though, Martin Zubimendi.

Although Zubimendi eventually made the decision to remain at his boyhood club rather than make the move to Merseyside, his future still remains very uncertain and a transfer to Liverpool may not be off the cards.

Despite recent reports, Zubimendi has reaffirmed his decision to remain at Real Sociedad in a recent press conference for the team.

“My philosophy is to do in each moment what comes from within me. So far, that has worked well for me. It's true that there was a lot of noise, and I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here, and I’m happy and at peace,” Zubimendi said, via Noticias de Gipuzkoa.

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Why Gleison Bremer is the perfect Van Dijk replacement

Liverpool might have found an ideal centre-back to replace Virgil van Dijk in the form of Gleison Bremer.

The Juventus defender has been instrumental in their remarkable run of 540 minutes without conceding a goal in Serie A. The Italian giants remain the only team in Europe's top five leagues to achieve this so far.

This impressive feat is a collective achievement, but Bremer stands out as one of the key reasons behind it. He has played every minute of those 540 minutes, providing a rock-solid defence in front of goalkeeper Mattia Perin.

Bremer leads Serie A in completed passes with 466, ranks first among centre-backs for tackles, and is tied for fourth place overall in the league.

Despite interest from Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Bremer chose to extend his contract with Juventus until 2029 during the summer.

Sources at Anfield Watch have confirmed Liverpool's interest in the Brazilian defender during this point, but he could certainly be an option down the line, too.

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