Liverpool do not want to stand still after winning the Premier League, and work is underway behind the scenes to set up deals for the summer. However, the Reds are now facing the threat of losing one of their top midfield targets to Manchester United.
Richard Hughes, the Liverpool sporting director, is under pressure to deliver the signings Arne Slot wants after the Dutchman proved his ability by winning the Premier League.
Liverpool manager wants midfield reinforcements this summer after the club failed to sign the elite number 6 he wanted last year, and the club are eyeing several top players.
However, a top midfield target seems Old Trafford-bound after Manchester United carried out major legwork on trying to set up a potential transfer.
Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
Manchester United take the lead in the race for a top midfield target
Brazil international Ederson is almost certain to leave Atalanta in the summer transfer window, with major Premier League clubs chasing him.
He is the kind of workhorse and energetic midfielder that would suit Liverpool, and the Reds are keen to take him to Anfield in the upcoming window.
However, according to Italian daily TuttoSport, Manchester United have the advantage in the race to land the midfielder from Atalanta in the summer.
Manchester United have stepped up contacts with Atalanta, and have told the Italians that they are prepared to table a big bid to sign him in the coming months.
The Red Devils are prepared to offer as much as £55m to take Ederson to Old Trafford ahead of next season. They are desperate to add his energy and physicality to their midfield.
Liverpool remain interested in him, but it seems Manchester United are doing all the early running to finalise a deal for his transfer in the summer.
