LIVERPOOL
What do they need?
The view at Liverpool is that the team is effectively complete. There is a need to strengthen at left back and while there is often focus on the attacking positions improving the standard will not be easy. Youngster Rhian Brewster is highly rated and will be given opportunities. The evolution of the club's strategy under owners Fenway Sports Group means where once they spent to buy, now money is spent to retain. The contract extensions of eight players since last April, including Mo Salah, Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino means the combined incremental cost of wage rises alone is between £150 million and £200 million. Virgil van Dijk should be among the next group of players to be rewarded given his impact.
Who are they likely to be after?
Liverpool scouts, along with a number of other top-flight sides including Arsenal and Southampton, have checked on Bristol City left back Lloyd Kelly. The England Under-21 starlet can also play at centre half. Andrew Robertson has developed into one of Europe's best left backs, but someone with potential and who can play in more than one position would appeal.
Any departures?
Alberto Moreno and Daniel Sturridge, who is still waiting to hear whether he will be banned over an alleged infringement of FA betting guidelines, are out of contract. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has previously wanted first-team football after being usurped by Alisson Becker, but his attitude behind the scenes has been exemplary. Decisions need to be made on a number of loan players, including Harry Wilson who is at Derby County and Ryan Kent at Rangers. Should Derby gain promotion to the Premier League, they could try and sign Wilson permanently. Liverpool have previously structured deals with buy-back clauses as in the case of Jordon Ibe's move to Bournemouth in 2016.
How much do they have to spend?
There is never any set budget. Liverpool are now opportunistic and pragmatic in their transfer dealings so react when situations arise. The anticipation is that huge amounts will not be spent on incoming transfers, but there is always a caveat.