Liverpool transfer news as $93M Darwin Nunez successor 'targeted' and Nico Williams boost emerges

Liverpool has work to do in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after falling a goal behind to Spurs in North London. Fortunately, a Jarell Quansah scare proved a false alarm after it was confirmed his withdrawal was due to illness rather than injury.

His withdrawal won't prompt the Reds to make any panicked moves but the transfer links are likely to continue regardless. Already, plenty of players have been linked with being of interest to Arne Slot.

Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. Both players being linked are exciting forwards who would be for the summer rather than this month, with both being big coups for whoever gets them.

Nico Williams (Athletic Club)

Spain star Nico Williams is ready to accept that a move to Barcelona will not be possible for him and is therefore now open to moving to the Premier League instead, according to TBR Football. The 22-year-old sprung to fame at the European Championship and has been linked with Liverpool, though a switch to Arsenal seems much likelier given the need for Mikel Arteta to upgrade his left side.

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Barcelona still admires Williams but is currently struggling to register Dani Olmo, showing that its financial situation still remains perilous. The former RB Leipzig playmaker could be available on a free transfer if the Catalan side can't find another level to pull.

Liverpool.com says: The Reds are well-stocked with both Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz playing off the left. Signing Williams, who would be far from cheap in terms of the fee (he has a $60m/£48m/€58m) release clause) or wages, therefore seems pretty unlikely.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli, on loan at Galatasaray)

Liverpool is preparing to replace Darwin Nunez and has identified Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, who is on loan at Galatasaray, as the ideal striker to come in, according to Anfield Watch. FSG's CEO of football, Michael Edwards, is said to be a long-term admirer of the player, who is expected to be available on the market.

The 26-year-old Nigerian has netted 13 goals and registered five assists in just 16 matches for Galatasaray so far. He has scored 21 in 35 games for his country and notched 65 in 108 appearances for Napoli, for whom he signed from Lille for a fee of around $93m (£75m/€90m).

Liverpool.com says: Osimhen should get a decent move somewhere in the summer and Liverpool could make a bit of sense if Nunez is to move on. Someone would have to leave to free up space for another attacker, though, otherwise Arne Slot would have too many options in forward areas and not enough minutes to share around.

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