Liverpool handed surprise Alisson Becker succession plan option after shock £70m transfer claim

Liverpool are back in Premier League and return to top-flight action top of the table. They face Southampton this weekend looking to extend their winning run and lead at the summit.

Arsenal and Manchester City can apply pressure on the Reds when they kick off on Saturday against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur respectively. Arne Slot's side currently have a five-point cushion over their rivals going into an important week that features a trip to the Saints before Anfield showdowns with Real Madrid and Pep Guardiola's City.

All three pose fresh challenges for the Dutchman, who has been repeatedly questioned since succeeding Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola makes 115 charges pledge as Man City rocked by setback in Liverpool battle

READ MORE: 'What I expect' - Conor Bradley now has chance to fulfil Arne Slot prediction at Liverpool

The Liverpool ECHO takes a look at the latest reports...

According to reports in Turkey, Galatasaray are showing interest in Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Speculation over the Brazilian's future has increased in recent months following links with a sensational move to Saudi Arabia.

The 32-year-old has three years remaining on his contract at Anfield and remains widely-regarded as one of Europe's top shot-stoppers. Alisson's injury record has proved problematic for Liverpool in previous years but recent seasons have allowed for Caoimhin Kelleher to stand up to the plate and grasp the opportunity.

Alisson is back in first-team training after a hamstring problem and in his absence, the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper has stepped up to the plate. Kelleher's performances come during a period where he faces uncertainty of his own with ambitions to be a starting goalkeeper.

Next summer, Valencia goalkeeper and Georgia star Giorgi Marmadashvili will arrive from La Liga adding to Liverpool's quality goalkeeping options. In Turkey, it appears that Galatasaray may test Liverpool's resolve for Alisson - who turns 33 in October - and Sabah have reported on the Turkish giants' pursuit claiming that they have made first contact has been made in their attempt to bring in the Brazil shot-stopper.

Away from the triple contract uncertainty with Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, the impending goalkeeper headache is an important decision for the new Liverpool head coach.

Marcus Thuram has been linked with a move to Liverpool. According to reports in Spain, the Reds are prepared to agree a reported £96,000-a-week salary with the French striker.

Mundo Deportivo have credited Liverpool with interest in the Inter Milan striker - who is said to have a €85million (£70.6m) release clause. The report appears to speculate that the price-tag is reasonable given the current attacking landscape in the transfer window however it does look to go against Liverpool's spending habits of recent years.

At 27-year-old, Thuram has seven goals and two assists in 12 Serie A performances as Inter look to defend their Italian top-flight crown.