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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

Liverpool transfer round-up: Konate 'almost certain' to join Reds

After a disappointing defence of the Premier League title this season, which saw Liverpool clinch a third-placed finish and a spot in the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on the final day, the Reds will now turn their attention to the upcoming summer transfer window.

Injury problems at the back highlighted a lack of depth in Jurgen Klopp's squad, while questions have been asked of their attack.

Players are also set to leave the club, with Georginio Wijnaldum's departure already confirmed and others likely to join him.

With that in mind, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest Liverpool transfer news.

RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate is said to be closing in on a move to Liverpool (Getty Images)

Konate 'almost certain' to join Liverpool

Back in March, the Athletic first reported that Liverpool were lining up a deal to bring RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate to Anfield.

Now, German outlet SportBuzzer is reporting that Konate will 'almost certainly' join Liverpool this summer.

The addition of Konate will strengthen Jurgen Klopp's options at centre-back, having seen Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all sidelined by serious injuries this season.

Murphy makes claim over Wijnaldum exit

Liverpool have confirmed that Wijnaldum is set to depart the club this summer when his current contract expires and former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy has claimed one of the reasons why the club "have not moved heaven and earth" to keep him is the rise of academy graduate Curtis Jones.

Speaking to Stadium Astro, Murphy said: "Probably the reason why they have not moved heaven and earth to keep him is the emergence of Curtis Jones.

"What I understand, and the evidence is there in terms of the games he’s played, but there are high hopes for Jones playing in that position, left of a three, rather than a front player.

"Probably the emergence of him has made them decide that they’re going to let him go."

David James believes Liverpool should sell Mohamed Salah this summer (Pool via REUTERS)

Liverpool urged to "cash in" on Salah

Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James believes the Reds should "cash in" on Mohamed Salah this summer, despite the forward's impressive goalscoring exploits this season.

The Egyptian superstar netted 22 Premier League goals and only missed out on the Golden Boot by one strike, after Harry Kane netted against Leicester on the final day of the season.

Despite this, James believes that "Liverpool play better without Salah" and that the time has come for him to be sold.

Speaking to Stadium Astro, he said: "The idea of them spending mega millions is very unlikely, I think they're going to have to shift players out.

"In my eyes, he might be second in the Golden Boot running, but I think Liverpool play better without Salah. And the opportunity for Liverpool to cash in on Salah, Jota naturally fits into that front three, Firmino gets more freedom arguably, and Liverpool have a new dynamic up front rather than what seems to be a reliance on Salah’s goals."

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