Man Utd eyes potential 'Mohamed Salah heir' as Liverpool considers $65m swoop for Barcelona ace

Liverpool is preparing for a match with Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. Ange Postecoglou’s side were poor in a 2-0 loss at Chelsea on Thursday, so the Reds will hope there is not a major reaction from Spurs this weekend.

Their defeat ensured Liverpool has secured Champions League qualification for 2024/25. While it is disappointing that its Premier League title bid is effectively over, the primary objective for the campaign has been achieved.

Add in the Carabao Cup and Jürgen Klopp’s final campaign with the Reds has been a very decent season, just not a spectacular one. He has returned the club to Europe’s top table, which will only benefit his successor.

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It remains likely that Arne Slot will be the man in question, though nothing has yet been confirmed. There is probably going to be managerial change at Manchester United, while there was going to be a switch at Barcelona before Xavi made a u-turn over his decision to leave. With an eye on those clubs in particular, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the Premier League and across the continent to see what's going on at Liverpool's rivals

Manchester United 'leading the race to sign Olise'

According to ESPN, Manchester United is considered the front runner to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise. He is understood to have a contract release clause which will become active this summer. Per Transfermarkt, he has signed with the Eagles until 2027.

That contract was agreed last summer after a move to Chelsea fell through on a technicality. Having had huge success since signing Cole Palmer, it is not clear if the Blues would be in the race for the 22-year-old this time around.

ESPN also note both Arsenal and Liverpool “have been credited with an interest in Olise,” though the Reds’ decision may hinge on Mohamed Salah’s future. The Gunners, meanwhile, reportedly favor Wolves’ Pedro Neto, meaning United could get a free run at Olise, if he is to leave Palace.

Liverpool.com says: As Salah appears unlikely to leave, it's hard to see a place for Olise in Liverpool's squad in the immediate future. He is a very talented player, though, so it will be a pity if he ends up at Old Trafford.

Liverpool alerted by Pedri exit claims?

It was recently reported that Barcelona would entertain the departure of any of its players this summer, aside from a hallowed five who it wished to keep under lock and key. However, TeamTalk has reported a story from Marca that one of the quintet, Pedri, may now be allowed to leave.

The Barca hierarchy have apparently changed their view due to the player’s injury record — he has had three separate absences with hamstring and muscle issues in 2023/24 — combined with his contract only having two years left to run. For a club in financial difficulty, those would be valid reasons to part with the 21-year-old.

It is believed that Barcelona would sell Pedri for an offer in the vicinity of $65m (£51.3m/€60m). While Arsenal and Manchester City have shown interest, it is claimed that Liverpool has the strongest chance of making a move.

Liverpool.com says: After the midfield rebuild last summer, it feels more likely that Liverpool need an elite defensive midfielder rather than a player, no matter how talented, who has barely played there. That said, we have seen the Reds sign players under Michael Edwards in the past who had their position reinvented, with Gini Wijnaldum a midfield example. This summer will be fascinating.