Liverpool transfer news as Rodrygo 'check' made amid 'contact' for Luis Diaz 'replacement'

Liverpool hasn't clicked into gear in the transfer market just yet but there is still plenty of time in which moves could be made.

For now, most big stars are at international tournaments with their nations anyway. The obvious hole in the squad that Arne Slot inherits would be at center-back but it remains to be seen whether a player in that position is targeted. Adding a wide forward would be a good idea too, with plenty of names having emerged who would fit that criteria over the last few weeks.

Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the latest transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds. We start with a look at Real Madrid and Brazil star Rodrygo.

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Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

Liverpool has made a 'check' on the availability of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo this summer, according to HITC . With Kylian Mbappe arriving at the Bernabeu on a free transfer from PSG, Endrick the latest Brazilian wonderkid to come in, and Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham already on the club's books, there is a question about how Carlo Ancelotti will fit in all of that Madrid attacking talent.

There is no suggestion that Rodrygo wants to leave or that he wouldn't at least try it for a season. Maybe if the Brazilian was to be kept on the bench in the main next year, that stance might change, but for now, it appears unlikely he would push for an exit.

Liverpool.com says: It's worth asking the question, if indeed Liverpool has, but Real Madrid would not want to lose such a talented player. The Reds need an attacker but it would make more sense for it to be someone who can play most often off the right.

Nico Williams (Athletic Club)

Earlier in the week, The Athletic reported that Williams is "not under consideration" for Liverpool this summer. But that hasn't been enough to stop reports in Spain from continuing.

Now, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo suggests that Liverpool has 'made contact' with Athletic Club about a move for Williams because Luis Diaz remains on the agenda for Barcelona . Arne Slot , the report states, would be willing to cash in on Diaz if a big enough offer came in. As a result, a replacement would be required for the Colombian forward.

Liverpool.com says: Williams is good but even though he has a release clause, it isn't that small a fee to splash out. His wages are already pretty big in Spain too, which would probably count against him.