Liverpool star witheld from Wednesday training session amid advanced transfer talks

With a move to Lyon looking likely, Xherdan Shaqiri did not attend Liverpool's Wednesday training session, according to the Echo.

They report: "the Swiss international was a notable absentee as his side continued their preparations for the new season."

Their €6million offer is €2m lower than what Liverpool are prepared to accept.

It now seems as though the Switzerland forward could soon be on his way to France if Liverpool and Lyon can reach an agreement today or tomorrow.

We're at the stage in the transfer window where both clubs can't afford to take too long and we should hear more very soon.

Harvey Elliott set to step up?

While Liverpool still need to sign a new forward, this summer has proven that Elliott has what it takes to play in the first team.

He might only turn 19 in April next year but he seems to have something the club's other youngsters don't and I really hope he gets the chance to prove himself this season.

But I do hope that Liverpool don't make the mistake of thinking that an 18-year-old breaking through is the same as Manchester City spending £100million to sign Jack Grealish.

The Reds need to invest in their squad and fans are realistic - nobody is asking FSG to sign Mbappe or Haaland but rather think the likes of Doku and Saul would go a long way to ensuring we can match Man City, United and Chelsea over 38 games.