Liverpool transfer news: Ousmane Dembele and Bruno Fernandes blows, as winger deal agreed

Liverpool are thought to be in the market for a back-up left-back given the departure of Alberto Moreno, but reports from TEAMtalk earlier this week that Matt Targett could make a switch to Anfield appear to be wide of the mark.

That’s according to Birmingham Live, who understand that both Aston Villa and Liverpool will have any interest thwarted by Southampton’s plans to promote Targett to the first team.

This move has been prompted by the Saints’ decision to cash in on Ryan Bertrand, as reported by the Daily Mail. This leaves a spot free for Targett – Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are said to be in for the former Chelsea man, but there is no indication that Liverpool will turn their attentions to him.

Dejan Lovren may add to the defensive departures at Anfield, with rumours of a move to AC Milan persisting. Goal reports that club legend John Barnes would understand any decision by the Croatian to leave his “comfort zone” at the club, despite believing the centre-back remains a useful option.

It is ultimately the opinion of Klopp that will prove decisive, however, and if Calciomercato is to be believed then the German has quoted a 20-million-euro price to the Italian giants. The 29-year-old has been at Liverpool since 2014.

Another outgoing transfer looking increasingly likely is the departure of young Portuguese talent Rafael Camacho. The Evening Standard report that the 19-year-old academy star, formerly of Manchester City’s youth system, is edging closer to a return to his native country with Sporting Lisbon. Liverpool look likely to opt to sell now, with the winger not prepared to sign an extension to a deal which has just a year left to run.

In the same report, however, David Lynch adds that there is no prospect of Bruno Fernandes coming the other way. The reported Manchester United target is not thought to be of interest to Liverpool.

Ousmane Dembele, similarly, seems unlikely to be arriving at Anfield. The Barcelona star has naturally been linked away from Camp Nou amid rumours of a return for Neymar, but Catalan publication Sport suggest that Barcelona are not as open to the Frenchman’s departure as has been reported elsewhere. While there is a real need to balance the books to deal with any significant incoming signings, Ernesto Valverde is a fan of the former Borussia Dortmund wide man and has no desire to let him go.

Another move that seemingly won’t be happening this summer is the departure of Divock Origi. The Mirror reports that Belgian forward Divock Origi will be going nowhere in this transfer window, even though this runs the risk that Liverpool will lose him for free next year. The 24-year-old enjoyed a remarkable renaissance at the club last year, producing at crucial times in the Premier League and Champions League.

The forward is understood to want more first-team football in the long term, but is prepared to spend another season with the European champions.

One deal that has been confirmed is the departure on loan of Sheyi Ojo to Rangers. The winger will be the third Liverpool loanee to link up with Steven Gerrard in Glasgow, following loan spells for Ryan Kent and Ovie Ejaria last season.

Rangers captain James Tavernier is excited at the prospect of playing with the Liverpool man, telling Rangers TV he has “heard some good things” about him and declaring that the youngster has already impressed since arriving in Scotland.