Liverpool news: Arne Slot takes drastic action as £87m transfer war with Man Utd heats up

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is eyeing a third successive win for Liverpool

Liverpool manager Arne Slot seems to have acted to tackle the club's defensive injury nightmare as the Reds prepare for Premier League duty this weekend.

Liverpool will face Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon. Slot, who has been forced to defend his record in England, is aiming to secure three consecutive victories as the battle for Champions League qualification intensifies. While Liverpool have been plagued by erratic form this season, they have also been hindered by fitness problems.

Extended spells on the sidelines for Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo have resulted in Slot struggling to maintain a settled defence this campaign - while a devastating injury to Alexander Isak has also hampered his team's progress. The Reds manager is taking measures to resolve that problem, while Liverpool have once more been connected with launching a substantial summer approach for a talented youngster. Here's all the latest news from Anfield.

Arne Slot speaks

Although Liverpool refrained from January market activity by securing immediate additions, with French defender Jeremy Jacquet arriving in the summer, Slot has elevated two academy prospects to work with Liverpool's senior squad this week.

As reported by This Is Anfield, Josh Davidson and Terence Miles joined the first team for training on Wednesday. Although neither are likely to start or even feature in this weekend's match against Forest, it demonstrates how the Reds' manager is taking proactive measures to ensure that should further injuries afflict the Reds' defence, they will be adequately prepared.

Davidson, 20, is a right-back who has been with the club since he was six years old. He signed his first professional contract in October 2022. Miles, 21, is also primarily a full-back but can operate as a centre-half as well, reports the Mirror.

Liverpool have been linked with an interest in RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande.

Liverpool persistently find themselves linked with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.

The 19-year-old has reportedly been scouted frequently this season with Liverpool's top brass, including chief executive of football Michael Edwards and chief scout Barry Hunter, keeping a close watch on the young talent.

Diomande has contributed to 15 goals from 25 appearances this season. Numerous reports surfacing this week have suggested that the Reds are keen to compete for the Ivory Coast star's signature, with Manchester United also reportedly interested.

ESPN have claimed Diomande has even been viewed by Liverpool as an ideal replacement for Mohamed Salah at Anfield. One potential hurdle could be the asking price, with talkSPORT suggesting Diomande will cost at least £87million, with the total fee potentially exceeding £100m.

Yan Diomande is being eyed by Liverpool and Bayern Munich

However, Leipzig could forfeit their negotiating position should they fail to secure Champions League football next season, with Diomande reportedly keen to feature in Europe's elite competition next term. They are presently embroiled in a fight to claim fourth spot in the Bundesliga.

In a further encouragement for the Reds, Diomande actually mentioned Liverpool by name earlier this year. "I want to play at Anfield, I want to play for Liverpool. I'm a big Liverpool fan. My father's dream is to see me play for Liverpool," he revealed.

Nevertheless, he clarified his remarks this week, explaining: "People made it out to be my dream club, but first and foremost, it's my dad's favourite club.

"It was always his great wish to see me play there someday because he loves the atmosphere at Anfield. He always raved about Steven Gerrard. I was too young to see him play. We didn't even have a TV at home for a long time."