Liverpool transfer news: Fabrizio Romano names TWO positions Reds will strengthen this summer

Liverpool look set to target two positions in this summer's transfer window, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.

The Reds face a summer of transition, with Jurgen Klopp standing down as Liverpool manager after over eight-and-a-half years in charge at Anfield.

Along with replacing the legendary manager, Liverpool's hierarchy face the task of re-structuring the set-up behind the head coach, including the appointment of a new permanent sporting director.

Xabi Alonso remains the favourite to take over from Klopp in the dugout, while there is no clear frontrunner for the sporting director role currently, with a return for the popular Michael Edwards one option mooted.

However, while those appointments are Liverpool's priority right now, with whoever comes in taking a leading role in recruitment matters, the transfer rumours continue apace ahead of the summer.

Two positions targeted

Regardless of who comes in behind the scenes, Liverpool are known to be likely to target defenders in the upcoming window, with the position a long-term concern.

It has been widely suggested that the Reds are keen on a young, left-sided defender, while Anfield Watch has reported that Gonaclo Inacio (Sporting CP) and Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen) are among the options explored. However, there may be a need for more than one centre back addition, with Joel Matip's contract set to expire.

Transfer reporter Romano backs up Liverpool interest in supplementing the backline, while adding that the club are also 'keeping an eye' on wingers this summer, name-checking Wolves star Pedro Neto.

“I think they will keep an eye on wingers, this is a position they could cover,” he told his Here We Go podcast. “Because they are following some players, sending their scouts to follow some players, maybe a signing from another country, not only in England.

“For example, in England, a player appreciated by many clubs is Pedro Neto. Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, many clubs have been scouting him for a long time.

“Liverpool are also following foreign markets for wingers, so that could be one to watch and then a new centre-back.”

In his Daily Briefing column, Romano expanded on Liverpool's interest in Neto.

He said: “I would also keep a close eye on Liverpool – let’s see who’s going to be their manager, let’s see who’s going to be their director and what kind of strategy they will have.

“But Pedro Neto has also been scouted by Liverpool in recent months and years.”

23-year-old Neto has enjoyed a standout season for Wolves so far in 2023/24, scoring twice and registering nine assists in 17 Premier League games.

The Portugal international, who has been rated at as much as £80m, has also been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham.