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Liverpool news: 70m transfer clash with Man Utd as target speaks on links to 'big clubs'

Liverpool are planning for next season with transfers on the agenda for Arne Slot as the Reds are now on the brink of Champions League qualification

[Liverpool manager Arne Slot has transfers on his mind]

Liverpool have put together a winning run in the Premier League and are now fighting for third

As Liverpool's disappointing campaign draws to a close, the Merseyside giant are looking towards next season.

Champions League qualification is now virtually guaranteed for 2026/27. That should be enough for Arne Slot to keep his job, after a woeful defence of their Premier League title. The Dutchman has faced relentless scrutiny throughout the season with his team a pale imitation of last year's champions.

But the Reds climbed to fourth in the Premier League after their 3-1 triumph over Crystal Palace last Saturday and could even go third with a victory over bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Here's all the latest news from Anfield.

[Liverpool manager Arne Slot]

Liverpool face an important summer transfer window under Arne Slot(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

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Steven Gerrard favourite

Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has been without a managerial role since departing Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq last year but has now become the bookmakers' top choice to take charge at Burnley, reports the Mirror.

Thursday's confirmation that Scott Parker had left the recently-relegated club by mutual consent came with the Clarets facing Championship football next season following a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City last week.

Gerrard and his former Reds team-mate Craig Bellamy - currently in charge of Wales - have been swiftly linked with the vacancy. As it stands, bookies William Hill have Gerrard as the 4/7 favourite to be at the helm at Turf Moor next season.

A switch to the Championship would see Gerrard follow in the footsteps of Frank Lampard, who opted to drop down a division to take over at Coventry City last year. The Chelsea legend has since guided the Sky Blues back to the Premier League in his first full season in charge.

[Steven Gerrard speaking for TNT Sports]

Steven Gerrard has been out of management for more than a year(Image: TNT Sports)

Arne Slot replacement verdict

So far, there's been no indication from the Reds that they're looking to part ways with Slot, who has already spoken about the club's transfer intentions this summer.

However, should owners Fenway Sports Group decide to make a change, ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy reckons Luis Enrique is the ideal man to take the reins at the Premier League heavyweights.

Speaking to Betarades, Murphy stated: "For me, there is one outstanding candidate - Luis Enrique. Could Liverpool maybe tempt him, especially if he wins the Champions League again? Maybe he would feel like he needs a new challenge.

[Luis Enrique speaks]

Luis Enrique is one of the world's top managers(Image: PSG via Getty Images)

"He is a phenomenal coach and when you watch PSG play, you kind of feel that is how I want my team to play. I am torn, just like a lot of Liverpool fans are.

"A part of me does feel like Arne Slot deserves the chance to redeem himself after his brilliant first season. The circumstances he has had to deal with this season have been tough in many ways.

"But if there is somebody out there who feels they can move the team more forward quickly, then yes, make the change. The biggest thing is that I have very rarely seen a Liverpool fanbase, a majority of the fanbase, turn on a manager quite so quickly through a bad spell."

Wharton speaks out

[Adam Wharton and Manchester United have both been sent a clear transfer message]

Adam Wharton is a man in demand(Image: (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images))

Adam Wharton has been linked with a big summer transfer and Liverpool are thought to be admirers of the England man.

The Crystal Palace midfielder, who has also drawn the interest of Manchester United, has emerged as a candidate to take on the holding role in the engine room of Slot's team, allowing Ryan Gravenberch to play in his natural more advanced midfield role.

Wharton told Sky Sports that he pays little attention to what is being said - despite admitting he is flattered by the speculation. He said: "Obviously the praise is good and being linked with big clubs its obviously a compliment in a way.

"As much praise as you get, theres also the other side of it where other people dont think you are doing very well or other clubs dont want you because they dont like this thing about you.

"I don't really pay attention to it. I know that Im doing well. The coach will tell me. To them, theyre the ones who can have the biggest impact on me and help me develop my career.

"The outside ones, I dont really focus on it. I just try to focus on myself."

Palace are anticipated to seek between 60m and 70m for the 22-year-old, considering he's contracted until 2029 and is only beginning to reach his professional prime.

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