‘Already accepted’ – Liverpool close on two major deals, as Richard Hughes finally delivers

club and the representatives of all three players, but talks have not found common ground.’

The outlook from The Athletic’s Pearce was a touch rosier.

Pearce wrote: ‘Dialogue with the representatives of those three players remains open and ongoing.’

Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah will be free to sign pre-contract agreements with overseas sides come January 1 if new deals haven’t been agreed by that date.

Man Utd want Xabi Alonso / Ream Madrid’s TAA bid

In other news, remarkable reports in Spain have claimed Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso is Man Utd’s first choice managerial option in the event they sack Erik ten Hag.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid are reportedly ready to submit a modest bid of roughly €12m for Alexander-Arnold in January. That comes on the back of current right-back Dani Carvajal suffering a season-ending ACL injury.

Real Madrid’s hope is Liverpool will reluctantly cash in while they still can, though such a derisory offer seemingly stands no chance of being accepted.

Finally, former Reds striker Peter Crouch has explained why Arne Slot may be to thank for Dutch pair Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo upping their games this term.

“It’s a discussion to be had,” said Crouch. “Being countrymen, Gravenberch, Gakpo and Arne Slot, they’ve both improved so much since he’s arrived.

“They’ve gone up a level. Gakpo this year has been really unlucky not to start games. And Gravenberch in the midfield has been an absolute revelation.

“Whether it’s something he [Slot] is saying to them… but I genuinely believe they’ve gone up a level.”

Importance of Quansah, Konate deals should not be overlooked

Quansah and Konate’s Liverpool appearance tally (all comps)

Quansah started the season as Van Dijk’s centre-back partner, though was hauled off at half-time after struggling against Ipswich Town.

Konate has grasped the opportunity with both hands and has since helped Liverpool to amass the Premier League’s meanest defence. The Reds have conceded just two goals in eight league matches so far.

Nonetheless, Quansah remains highly regarded at Anfield and was part of England’s wider preliminary squad named in the run-up to Euro 2024.

Tying both he and Konate down to long-term deals is an important step for Hughes and co.