Three players Liverpool could sign regardless of whether Martin Zubimendi deal is done

Liverpool is still waiting to see if it can get a deal for Martin Zubimendi over the line, with the midfielder set to make his final decision over the weekend. But rather than twiddling its thumbs, the recruitment department can get to work on a number of other deals .

It isn't expected to be a hugely busy summer at Anfield , at least in terms of transfer business. There has already been a huge amount of churn in other departments, not least with Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp .

Having had the chance to assess most of his squad, Slot is now in a position to decide where he would like the squad to be strengthened. The pursuit of Zubimendi suggests the base of midfield is a priority, but there are a couple of other areas where additions seem plausible.

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In defense, Virgil van Dijk has turned 33, while Joel Matip has left. The remaining options are either young, injury-prone or both.

And with Mohamed Salah into the final year of his deal, Slot may well want to look at a succession plan on the right-wing, with Liverpool's attacking depth concentrated on the other flank. So here are three players the Reds could sign regardless of what happens with Zubimendi.

Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen)

Liverpool was linked with Piero Hincapie last summer. But the conditions for a move are now even more favorable.

Surprisingly, Hincapie was not a guaranteed starter over the course of Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten season. Other defensive stars emerged for Xabi Alonso, with the Ecuadorian almost becoming a real luxury backup option.

Of course, that raises questions about whether he is really of sufficient quality for Liverpool. But there's very little not to like about the defender — who as well as being defensively sound is an assured and progressive passer with a real eye for carrying the ball forward.

Hincapie is also a left-sided center-back. That could add some balance to Liverpool's build-up play, while also opening up the possibility of some more cover for Andy Robertson at left-back.

It's thought that Hincapie is open to leaving Leverkusen this summer ( Florian Plettenberg ). One hiccup could be his desire for guaranteed game time, which Liverpool could not offer, but a transfer for a relatively low fee would be very astute business if the player could be convinced.

Maxence Lacroix (Wolfsburg)

The subject of more recent links, Lacroix would be an alternative target at center-back. While it's not confirmed that Liverpool wants to strengthen in this position, an extra body seems astute, especially if Sepp van den Berg is sold.

As with any target, the question is whether Lacroix would be ready to fight for his place, with Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konate both very strong options next to a still-elite Van Dijk. But like Hincapie, conditions for a deal could be favorable, with his Wolfsburg contract into its final year.

According to Calcio Mercato , Liverpool is among the clubs taking an interest. You'd assume that the Reds hold more allure than other suitors like Crystal Palace and Nice.

Rayan Cherki (Lyon)

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes mentioned the Olympics when discussing summer tournaments that could delay transfer activity. With Spain having now beaten France to the gold medal, perhaps we could see some movement.

Rayan Cherki was among those representing the host nation. Sports Zone claimed in June that Liverpool had "asked for information" about the Lyon player.

He was not a surefire starter for the Ligue 1 side last season, and didn't make it on in the final for France until the 110th minute. But the sheer potential of the 20-year-old has been clear for some time, and he has the kind of profile that could even make him a long-term Salah heir.

But Slot would be getting a versatile player whom he could mold in more or less any way he liked. As well as featuring on both wings, Cherki has played regularly as an attacking midfielder.