Liverpool poised to make £52m+ offer for top Chelsea target after summer bid rejected

Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward is already putting plans in place to strengthen Andoni Iraola’s squad, having been announced as Richard Hughes’ replacement last month.

Liverpool made it three straight victories in all competitions on Tuesday evening, although their latest success was far from straightforward.

Iraola’s side were second best for much of the opening 40 minutes against Villarreal, struggling to establish control in midfield before eventually finding their rhythm to surge to a 4-3 win.

Andoni Iraola admits Liverpool struggled in midfield

Speaking after the match, Iraola acknowledged that Liverpool had struggled to deal with their opponents’ numerical advantage in central areas, explaining his decision to replace Ronald Araujo with Florian Wirtz at half-time and switch Ryan Gravenberch to right-back.

“In the first half, it has cost us until the 2-0 to balance the game a little bit the game,” Iraola explained.

“I think in possession we’ve got much better positions from Trey [Nyoni] and Alexis to control it a little better, but without the ball they were overloading us in the middle with three holding midfielders and [Alberto] Moleiro, who basically is another midfielder coming inside.”

Iraola added that Gravenberch’s versatility was crucial to the tactical adjustment, allowing Liverpool to cope more effectively both in and out of possession.

Alexis Mac Allister was another key figure in the turnaround, scoring twice as Liverpool recovered from their early difficulties.

REUTERS/Phil Noble

The Argentine’s performance earned considerable praise from Iraola, who highlighted his composure and leadership in challenging circumstances.

“I think Alexis is playing so, so well since the beginning of the season,” the Liverpool boss said. “I think he’s a player that can also arrive inside the box, be that, we call it a No.8, sometimes arrive into half-spaces and the first goal in a set-piece also is a great goal.”

Iraola was equally impressed by Mac Allister’s ability to influence proceedings when Liverpool were struggling.

Nevertheless, Liverpool’s midfield depth remains a concern, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s injury leaving Iraola short of established options.

There is also uncertainty surrounding Mac Allister’s long-term future, with reports suggesting Liverpool could consider selling the Argentine as part of a midfield rebuild.

Ward could therefore prioritise the addition of a specialist defensive midfielder, allowing Liverpool to establish greater control in the middle of the pitch without relying so heavily on players operating outside their natural positions.

Liverpool could hijack Chelsea move for midfielder Manu Koné

According to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, via Sport Witness, Liverpool have entered the race to sign Roma midfielder Manu Koné, who was the subject of a substantial offer from Chelsea during the summer.

The Blues reportedly submitted a bid worth €60m (£52m) for the France international, with a move to Stamford Bridge appearing increasingly likely before Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini intervened to prevent his departure.

Chelsea remain interested in the 25-year-old, but Liverpool could now hijack their pursuit, with both Premier League clubs reportedly poised to submit ‘strong offers’ exceeding that €60m figure at the end of the season.

Koné has established himself as an important figure in Roma’s midfield, impressing in Serie A and the Champions League this term, scoring twice against Inter Milan earlier in the campaign.

Roma are already considering potential midfield reinforcements, with the Italian club aware that selling Koné could provide significant funds to strengthen their own squad.

With Liverpool also needing greater depth at right-back, Ward could face an important transfer window next year as he attempts to address the remaining weaknesses in Iraola’s squad.