Liverpool transfer news round-up as Reds reject bid after Nico Williams setback

As the quest for Liverpool's first signing continues , the club has made it clear it would not be letting its players go without a proper return.

Japanese star Wataru Endo looks to be at Anfield for another season after it was reported that Liverpool swiftly rejected Marseille's bid for the 31-year-old. Endo had only been with the club for 12 months and the French side's offer was reportedly less than what Liverpool paid Stuttgart.

Fabrizio Romano believes fans have no reason to worry about Endo's status, as Marseille have fully committed to other targets after their bid worth $15.2m (£11.8m/€14m) was rejected . "On Endo and Liverpool and Marseille, the approach from Marseille to Liverpool was in June before they signed Ismael Kone and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Now they’re looking at different targets," Romano said in a video.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer round-up as Arne Slot targets first signing amid Baris Yilmaz boost
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta shares true thoughts about Arne Slot before Liverpool friendly

Additionally, it appears as if Spanish international Nico Williams will not be heading to Anfield any time soon. Though both Liverpool and Arsenal are vying for the 22-year-old star, Williams appears to be sticking to the promise he made to his brother Inaki and will play another season for Athletic Bilbao.

This decision comes after Barcelona have also made their interest in the young forward known, though the Spanish side's finances could be an issue when it comes time to sign the star. Of note, Williams' contract with Bilbao will last until 2027 and clubs will surely be more interested in signing the 22-year-old as soon as possible.

Along with gauging interest in Williams, the Reds have also expressed their interest in Maximilian Beier. The Hoffenheim striker has been on Liverpool's radar and the club has been told how much it would cost Arne Slot's side to bring the forward to Anfield.

Hoffenheim are expecting a bid of more than $40m, with the fee being estimated at $43.2m (£33.7m/€40m), according to Tutto Juve . Though that is within Slot's budget, the Reds have to be weary as Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United are all interested in the 21-year-old's services.

While looking for a signing, Liverpool could pursue Federico Chiesa - for the right price. Initially, it had been reported that the Reds would pay around $32-$43m (£25m-£34m/€30m-€40m) to pry the winger away from the Serie A, though it appears that has changed.

It is now being reported by Paisley Gates that Juventus is open to an offer of around $22-$27m (£17m-£21m//€20-€25m).

Liverpool also has shown interest in Brais Mendez, though it remains to be seen if he will join the club. The Reds reportedly have targetted the 27-year-old midfielder, according to Fichajes.

Elsewhere, Liverpool might be in a bidding war with Arsenal for Viktor Gyokeres as it was revealed the Gunners sent scouts to watch the Swedish star in action, HITC claims . Arsenal recently signed Riccardo Calafiori so Mikel Arteta's side could be gearing up for another big signing.

Lastly, Morten Frendrup could be another player in the middle of a bidding war. The Liverpool target's club of Genoa reportedly has been approached with a bid worth £21m (€25m) for the 23-year-old.