Liverpool transfer news as Nico Williams bid 'ready' and door open to Leny Yoro alternative

Liverpool remains inactive in the summer transfer window , and news of another target falling by the wayside has not gone down well with fans.

Despite pursuing Leny Yoro earlier in the summer, the Reds elected to back off, believing the defender had his heart set on a move to Real Madrid. The teenager now looks set to be heading to Manchester United though , with a medical booked after the Old Trafford club had an offer accepted by Lille.

Losing out to Los Blancos is one thing, but being beaten to a transfer by its biggest rival is a bitter pill for Liverpool to swallow . Arne Slot and Richard Hughes won’t have much time to make amends before the new Premier League season gets underway.

READ MORE: Liverpool coach banned player from training for being two minutes late as clear warning sent

READ MORE: Why Liverpool chose not to compete with Manchester United for $67m Leny Yoro transfer

Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today, including a potential Yoro alternative, and the latest on Nico Williams.

Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich)

Manchester United is now not willing to match Bayern Munich's demands for Matthijs de Ligt, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg .

It had been previously reported that Manchester United had agreed personal terms with Matthijs de Ligt, although that deal seems to have stalled now.

The German club is said to be looking for $55m (£42m/€50m) plus add-ons to sign the defender. With United prioritizing Yoro now though, it could represent an opportunity for Liverpool, who has been linked with De Ligt previously.

Liverpool.com says: The opportunity to make a move for De Ligt could be there, although it does feel a little risky. He looks to have fallen out of favor at Bayern Munich and with the Netherlands, and his time at Juventus wasn’t all that smooth either. He’s had his injury problems as well – this does feel like it could blow up in Liverpool’s face if it decides to make a play.

Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

Chelsea is ready to launch a bid for Nico Williams, according to The Athletic .

Liverpool is among the clubs to have been linked with a move for the Spain international, who scored in the Euro 2024 final against England on Sunday.

But it's Chelsea who could be set to make the first move, although the Blues know that Barcelona will likely put up a fight for the Athletic Bilbao star.

Liverpool.com says: Unlike Yoro, this is one that you could understand if Liverpool decided against making a move. The speculation over Williams’ future has been dragging on for some time, and all the signs seem to point to him either staying put in Bilbao, or making the move to Barcelona. Either way, don’t expect to see him in the Premier League anytime soon.