Liverpool have joined the race to sign in-demand Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, who has caught the eye at the World Cup, according to Sky Sports Germany’s Patrick Berger.

New manager Andoni Iraola is expected to be heavily backed in the transfer window this summer after replacing Arne Slot. The Spaniard will be keen on strengthening in midfield, given the issues that arose last season.

Uncertainty continues to grow over Alexis Mac Allister’s future after an underwhelming campaign. The Merseysiders are reportedly prepared to sell the Argentine midfielder, and this could play a role in a potential pursuit of Nmecha.

The German has enjoyed a superb World Cup campaign thus far, playing in all three of his nation’s group games. He has already registered one goal and two assists with the world watching.

Nmecha isn’t the only midfielder who has been linked with Liverpool, as they are also eyeing Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. The Reds spent around £449million last summer but still have money to spend ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Liverpool battle Manchester United for Nmecha signing

While Berger claims that Manchester United are “stepping up their pursuit” of Nmecha, he also names Liverpool as one of four clubs keeping tabs on him. Manchester City and Real Madrid are monitoring the 25-year-old’s situation.

Nmecha is said to be “happy at Dortmund” and “fully focused on the World Cup“, but a move to the Premier League is viewed as a “realistic option.” He has previously played in England, starting his career at City before leaving for VfL Wolfsburg on a free back in July 2021.

A major stumbling block is Dortmund’s valuation of the Germany international, as they reportedly set a £104m price tag, per BILD. That is a huge fee and one that would see him become the third most expensive player in Liverpool’s history.

The Reds forked out £116m to sign Nmecha’s German teammate Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. They followed that up with the British transfer record signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £125m.

Liverpool will have to pay a big price to sign Nmecha

There’s much to like about Nmecha, a mainstay in Dortmund’s midfield last season. He boasts a versatile profile, able to operate as a central and defensive midfielder.

Rightfully dubbed “underrated”, he is starting to earn recognition for his consistency in the Bundesliga and now on the biggest stage at the World Cup. He’s already familiarised with English football, which could come in handy if Liverpool win the race for his signature.

The main issue is the asking price, as spending over £100m will take a large chunk out of the Reds’ summer transfer budget. There are other areas of Iraola’s squad that need addressing, including out wide as they look to replace Mohamed Salah.

Yan Diomande is the top choice to replace Salah, and the club has already had an initial £86.2 million proposal rejected. They reportedly intend to return with a new offer of around £103.4m.

Leeds United are said to be in conversations with a striker as they look to add to their capture of Harry Wilson. The Whites agreed a contract with the soon-to-be former Fulham forward, who is coming off the best season of his career so far.

Wilson joins a number of his Welsh teammates at Elland Road, including Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon and Dan James. Given Wilson’s form last season, it is a huge coup for Leeds, with the former Liverpool forward having tipped for a move to one of the European hopefuls this summer.

But the work goes on for Leeds, and their striker search appears to have led them to a forward currently playing in France.

Sinayoko interest ramps up

Lassine Sinayoko is attracting interest aplenty this summer, having impressed for Auxerre last season, scoring 12 and assisting four. Sebastien Denis of FootMercato says a number of French clubs are speaking to Sinayoko over a summer move, while Leeds and Brighton are both said to be in talks with his representatives this summer.

The striker added fire to the transfer rumours at the end of May, when he said: “It’s a period I really enjoy because I want to know where I stand, to know who’s going wherever they are, whether it’s here or at any other club. So it’s really a window I like a lot. But now, it’s no longer up to me. Anything that’s being said here and there, unless it comes from me or my representatives, I don’t pay attention to it, I don’t believe it.”

The report claims talks are ongoing with a number of clubs, and the decision will likely come down to the striker himself, who will be able to choose where he ends up.

Sinayoko a ‘complete attacker’

Ulrik Pedersen/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA

Sinayoko’s reputation has been getting bigger and bigger over recent years, and he was said to have been one step away from signing for Lens last summer only for a U-turn to keep him with Auxerre. He helped keep the team in Ligue 1 without any real struggle during the season just gone, but it now seems inevitable he will take the next step in his career.

French Football Weekly provided a profile on the player, and they describe: “Beyond his statistics, Sinayoko is a complete attacker. Tireless in his efforts and always valuable in the defensive withdrawal, the Malian international often acted as the first defender of his team. In a season where AJA regularly suffered without the ball, its unfailing commitment was unanimously praised internally.”

Given Leeds are not likely to dominate teams week-in, week-out, that kind of hard-working striker who will defend from the front could be the ideal fit for what Daniel Farke wants.

Manchester United are said to have made an enquiry over one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League as they sound out potential alternatives for Mateus Fernandes. The Red Devils are going to sign a deep-lying midfielder this summer as they look to replace the outgoing Casemiro.

United enjoyed a solid season of last, with Michael Carrick leading them to a third-place finish, earning a full-time deal in the process. Carrick will now be backed in the market, and the midfield is a big priority despite the early signing of Ederson from Atalanta.

West Ham star Mateus Fernandes appears to be option number one, but amid competition from Tottenham and a rising price, it seems the Red Devils may be lining up a pricy alternative.

Bruno Guimaraes enquiry emerges

According to TeamTalk, United are one of a number of clubs to have asked about the availability of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian only has two years remaining on his Newcastle deal, and there is no breakthrough in contract talks as things stand, potentially opening the door to a move.

It’s also claimed Guimaraes has doubts over his Newcastle future after the Magpies finished in the bottom half last season, and he naturally wants to compete at the very highest level. That, according to the report, has led his representatives to hold some early conversations with other clubs, something United are said to have explored.

But with Guimaraes clearly only of the best players in the league in his position, he is likely to cost big money this summer, and likely more than the £80million or so it will cost to grab Fernandes from West Ham. It’s also likely to be a much trickier deal to pull off, given Newcastle could lose Tonali this summer. If they do, it’s likely they will do all they can to avoid losing another of their starting midfielders.

Guimaraes described as a ‘complete’ player

via Reuters

According to stat gurus Squawka, Guimaraes is ‘the Premier League’s most complete midfielder’, and there is heavy competition with the likes of Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Rodri. While some of those other names dominate specific stats, Guimaraes competes the best when it comes to a combination of them all, given he plays a more hybrid role which also allows him to get forward.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has said of the Brazilian: “He is a special player, a special person and a special character.”

There have been claims that Guimaraes has a release clause in his current contract, although some suggest a previous release clause has already expired.