Liverpool 'contacts Eberechi Eze's agent' in bid to pip Man City to blockbuster transfer

Liverpool has reportedly made contact with Eberechi Eze's agent over a potential move to Anfield this summer. The 25-year-old is currently away with England at the Euros but has made just one substitute appearance.

Eze has been a standout player for Crystal Palace since arriving from Queens Park Rangers in 2020 and scored 11 times last season, providing a further four assists. His form has attracted admirers from a host of top clubs with BBC Sport reporting previously that Palace would seek at least $76m (£60m/€71m) for the playmaker.

The likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham have been credited with an interest but fresh reports suggest Liverpool has made a move before the start of pre-season.

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According to Give Me Sport, conversations have been held between the Reds and Eze's agent about a possible transfer. It is unclear at this stage if those talks were successful with Palace also set to lose Michael Olise this summer.

The winger is moving closer to a switch to Bayern Munich with Norwegian teenager Antonio Nusa tipped to replace him. Yet The Guardian reports Palace is also bracing itself for interest in Eze during the summer window.

Eze had an excellent end to the season after some niggling injury problems. He scored five times in Palace's last six matches, including the winner at Anfield that seriously damaged Liverpool's title hopes.

It remains to be seen where he would fit into Liverpool's plans though, with Arne Slot already having Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones as forward-thinking midfield players.

There have been suggestions that the Dutchman will instead look to add a holding option, with Wataru Endo even suggesting that may help the squad, despite it potentially costing him his place.

“I don't care about those reports, but I also think it would be better to get the number six midfielder,” he told ABEMA Sports Time, as quoted by MSN.

"Considering my age, I think it might be okay for me to get the number six. But if it ultimately makes the team stronger then I'm all for it, because there will be competition and I just have to win my position again."

Liverpool.com says: Eze is an excellent player and on his day, is among the very best in the Premier League. His talents haven't really been utilized by England this summer but he is a man in demand. You would expect Arne Slot to prioritize additions in other areas, particularly out wide and in defense, but if Eze is available, then Liverpool should not wait around.