Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Nico Williams boost, Hugo Larsson links, Xavi Simons $83M

Liverpool transfer news live on FA Cup fourth round weekend with Hugo Larsson ‘wanted’, Xavi Simons being linked, plus the latest on Virgil van Dijk’s contract.

Hugo Larsson, Nico Williams and Xavi Simons

Liverpool will face Newcastle United in the final of the Carabao Cup next month after it swept aside Spurs at Anfield earlier this week. Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk all scored in the semi-final second leg, as Arne Slot booked his first visit to Wembley.

Next up is another domestic cup tie, this time in the FA Cup against Plymouth Argyle. Slot is looking forward to the game, where he is likely to make plenty of changes to his starting XI. And he also spoke about Virgil van Dijk heading into the match.

“I think Virgil deserves every compliment he gets,” Slot said during a press conference on Friday. “He’s been outstanding for this club for so many years and since I’m working here he’s been outstanding for me as well for the performances he brings in.

“[The Spurs game] was, again, an example of that. He was also in a good manner aggressive, he led the team in a way. With the ball we all know what he can do.

“But also without the ball he was sharp and ready. It was not a coincidence that it took 80 minutes before they had their first shot on target. Virgil, like many others, has had a good season. But he wants, just like all the others, to make it a great season and, therefore, we still have to play many games.”

Follow the latest Liverpool news in our live blog below ahead of Sunday’s trip to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup. Transfer-wise, Hugo Larsson and Xavi Simons are both being linked with moves to Anfield ahead of the summer.

Key Events

‘Bombshell’ Brahim Diaz move

Liverpool is lining up a “bombshell” move for Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz this summer, according to Fichajes.

The former Manchester City ace, now 25, is claimed to be a “priority” target for Arne Slot. Under contract until 2027, Diaz has previously been valued at around $62m (£50m/€60m)

Nico Williams boost

Nico Williams is increasingly leaning toward a move to the Premier League, according to The Athletic.

It’s suggested that Liverpool are among the Athletic Bilbao winger’s main suitors, along with Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

It was thought that Williams was angling for a move to Barcelona, but it seems he might now be more open to a move to England, which could interest Liverpool.

Ben Doak talks

Michael Edwards and Julian Ward have visited Ben Doak as Liverpool’s plan for the young winger has emerged.

According to The Athletic, the FSG pair visited Middlesbrough in December in order to speak to Doak, Boro boss Michael Carrick and first-team coach Jonathan Woodgate.

Liverpool turned down bids from Crystal Palace and Ipswich for Doak during the January window, with the Reds planning for the 19-year-old to return to Merseyside in the summer in order to stake a claim in Arne Slot’s first-team squad.

Ben Doak was the subject of transfer interest during the January window

Joshua Kimmich contact

Liverpool has been in contact with Joshua Kimmich to discuss a move for next season, according to Caught Offside.

It’s claimed that the Reds most recently contact Kimmich at the start of January, with the midfielder set to be out of contract at Bayern Munich in the summer.

It’s also suggested that Manchester City has an interest in the 29-year-old, while Real Madrid and PSG could also be options, although Kimmich is said to be leaning toward a move to England.

Jorrel Hato ‘scouted’ by Liverpool

Liverpool has sent scouts to keep tabs on Jorrel Hato, according to TBR Football.

The claim comes just a couple of weeks after the Ajax defender was spotted at Anfield. Despite sparking transfer speculation, Hato insisted he had only made the trip to Merseyside after being invited by Ryan Gravenberch.

Nevertheless, it’s now being suggested that Liverpool has watched the 18-year-old against Galatasaray and Feyenoord recently. Chelsea is also said to have been tracking Hato’s performances this season.

Virgil van Dijk responds to contract chatter

Virgil van Dijk has rubbished suggestions that he has signed a new contract at Liverpool after speculative reports claimed the Dutchman had penned an extension earlier in the week.

“I am feeling good, but what the future brings I have no idea,” he told Sky Sports on Thursday after the win over Spurs. “Anyone who says they know, they are absolutely wrong.”

Talks are ongoing over a new deal for the Liverpool captain. One of Van Dijk’s representatives was spotted sitting with sporting director Richard Hughes at Anfield but the player is relaxed about the situation.

Liverpool center-back Virgil van Dijk.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

08:42Matt Addison

Xavi Simons ‘wanted’

RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons has drawn plenty of interest from the Premier League. Caught Offside is reporting that the Reds, alongside the two Manchester clubs, are keen on him ahead of the summer.

Simons, a Netherlands international, was signed permanently by Leipzig in January but potentially with one eye on immediately cashing on in him if someone bids $83m (£67m/€80m). A big enough offer would see him move again, with interested parties given the green light to make a bid.

Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig

Hugo Larsson linked with Liverpool transfer

Liverpool holds a strong interest in Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson according to Caught Offside. Arne Slot’s men are said to be pushing for his signature ahead of the summer.

The 20-year-old Swede, valued at around $62m (£50m/€60m), has been compared with Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham. He is also supposedly on Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea’s radar, so there would be plenty of competition.

Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson.

Matt Addison