Liverpool transfer 'target' is 'spotted in England' as Reds tipped to step up $33m chase

Liverpool is down to the final two Premier League clubs in the "race" to be the last side to make a transfer this summer. Staring down Fulham, neither side has blinked yet, but the Reds could be about to accelerate a deal .

Geographically, at least, perhaps Fulham would be better-placed to do so, with a Liverpool "target" sighted in London. But it's claimed that Arne Slot's side is the one pushing for a move for one of the breakout stars of Euro 2024 .

Liverpool is not alone in reportedly exploring the possibility, with London clubs West Ham United and Spurs also on the scene. But it's the Anfield outfit that has supposedly now tabled a $33m (£25m/€30m) bid.

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The transfer target in question is Baris Alper Yilmaz. It's previously been reported by HITC that Liverpool holds an interest, and claims out of Turkey now suggest the pursuit could be heating up.

According to Ajansspor , the bid has gone in, with Liverpool stepping up its efforts since Yilmaz arrived in the UK. There's no indication of whether the purpose of his trip is business or pleasure, but his presence presents a potential opportunity for a relatively frictionless deal.

Among those who might approve is Virgil van Dijk , who admitted having a hard time against Yilmaz at the Euros. The Netherlands squeezed past Turkiye 2-1 at the quarter-final stage.

“Baris Alper Yilmaz was running constantly," Van Dijk reportedly said after the contest . "He was running elusive. It was difficult for every defender.

"He made it very hard for us. He couldn’t score a goal though. If we were to describe him in any way, he is a really important player."

Yilmaz plays his club football for Galatasaray. The 24-year-old had a big season, scoring six and assisting seven amid competition for places from the likes of Wilfried Zaha.

Liverpool.com says: Yilmaz has an interesting profile. He's still young enough to be considered for a move to Liverpool, although the Reds would typically prefer some higher-level experience, and he's played a good amount of football on both flanks.

As a right-footer, and coming straight from the Turkish league, Yilmaz would presumably not be thought of as an immediate heir to Mohamed Salah . But Liverpool will be aware of the need for a succession plan, and it's only natural that it is on the lookout for promising young wingers.

In all honesty, it seems most likely that Yilmaz is simply on holiday in London. On balance, it would be a surprising move for the Reds — but not one beyond the realms of plausibility.