Liverpool transfer news as Chelsea youngster eyed amid Nicolo Barella boost

Liverpool returns to Premier League action this weekend and Reds fans couldn't be more excited.

But as the first-team stars continue to return from international duty and build-up begins ahead of Sunday's visit of Chelsea, other goings on in the background continue to tick by, including plenty of transfer talk and rumors over who the Reds could sign next.

With the contract situations of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah still not resolved, it's led a lot of reports to suggest long-term replacements for the trio are already being sought out by the club incase of a worst case possible scenario.

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And that starts with Liverpool's first-choice right-back, who is being strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid next summer. In preparation for his potential departure, recent reports claim the Reds have identified a Chelsea youngster as his long-term replacement.

That's according to The Independent, which states Liverpool is looking to snap up Josh Acheampong from the Blues in the upcoming winter transfer window. The 18-year-old recently made his second senior appearance in last month's Carabao Cup success over Barrow and is highly-rated at Stamford Bridge.

The report adds that Acheampong is not only viewed as a short-term fix for the right-back role, but could also potentially grow to replace Alexander Arnold in the long term should the 26-year-old depart Liverpool.

Arne Slot could also look to sanction a move for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, who has been frequently linked with Liverpool in previous transfer windows.

The Italy international is one of the standout performers in Serie A and was instrumental in his side's title-winning success last season, yet could be set to leave at the end of the campaign following recent reports.

Spanish outlet Fichajes claims that Inter is ready to let the 27-year-old leave next summer as long as its asking price of $98million (£75m/€90m) is met, opening up a major opportunity for Liverpool to finally sign one of its reported long-term targets.