Liverpool transfer news: Reds 'working' on SURPRISE £25m deal for Euro 2024 forward
Liverpool have started work on a deal to sign Galatasaray star Baris Alper Yilmaz following his impressive Euro 2024 displays, according to a Turkish outlet.
Yilmaz represented Turkey during this summer's tournament and started all five of their matches in Germany, putting in some promising performances.
The 24-year-old operated as a striker for much of the tournament, but was moved to the right wing by Vincenzo Montella as Turkey exited the competition at the quarter-final stage courtesy of the Netherlands.
Yilmaz came up against Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo in that meeting with the Dutch.
That right flank is where Yilmaz primarily operates for Galatasaray, scoring seven goals and providing a further 12 assists in 55 appearances for the Turkish giants last season.
However, he has shown incredible versatility during his career so far, even operating at left-back and right-back on many occasions.
LIVERPOOL WANT BARIS ALPER YILMAZ
According to Turkish outlet Milliyet, Liverpool 'immediately started working' on a deal to sign Yilmaz after Turkey's exit from Euro 2024.
It's reported that Yilmaz's display against the Netherlands 'surprised' the Reds and that they are now one of several big European clubs chasing his signature, with Manchester United and Tottenham among his other suitors.
The forward will supposedly command a fee of €30m (£25m) and Galatasaray are willing to cash in on one of their prized assets following his Euro 2024 campaign.
However, it's unclear whether Liverpool would be open to offering that sum, or whether Yilmaz has shown interest in leaving Galatasaray.
While Yilmaz did catch the eye this summer, the Reds are one of the Premier League clubs least likely to be persuaded to sign a player off the back of their displays at a major international tournament.
Liverpool will have a shortlist of players they are keeping tabs on in the transfer window and Euro 2024 is unlikely to play a significant part in their decision-making.
Liverpool are reportedly targeting a new wide forward this summer, and Yilmaz's ability to play on the right-hand side would offer competition to Mohamed Salah.
However, a deal doesn't look likely at this stage.