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Liverpool get transfer boost amid Manchester United battle as Lamine Yamal claim made

Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal.
-Credit: (Image: Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images)


Liverpool have the opportunity to distance themselves further from title rivals Arsenal with a win in north London on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm). Arne Slot's side can go seven points ahead of the Gunners with a victory and move back to the top of the Premier League table.

Unlike Liverpool, Arsenal have not enjoyed an impressive start to the season, and have experienced hiccups on the road, drawing to Manchester City and losing to Bournemouth recently. William Saliba was sent off in that game and will now serve a suspension as a result.

In terms of injuries, Arsenal are likely to be without Martin Odegaard and Kieran Tierney - at the very least - with fitness checks needed for Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori. As for the Reds, Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley and Harvey Elliott are side-lined with injuries - while there's a possibility that Federico Chiesa could return.

READ MORE: We predicted Arsenal vs Liverpool with amazing Premier League title race result

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And there's been plenty of other news doing the rounds pre-match. The Liverpool ECHO takes a look at some of the latest headlines that have emerged in the last 24 hours or so;

Liverpool offered Lukeba transfer boost

Liverpool have, reportedly, been handed a boost in their pursuit for RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba with Sky Germany reporting that the German side have adjusted his release clause.

It's said that in the summer of 2025, his release clause will stay at €90million (£75m), but the following year it will drop to €80m (£66m). In 2027, the 21-year-old will reportedly have a release clause of €65m (£54m).

Despite recently extending his stay until 2029, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says an exit next summer remains 'possible'. Liverpool and Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Lukeba.

Yamal 'admired' despite Barcelona stance

According to The Independent's journalist Miguel Delaney, Liverpool are 'admirers' of Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal. Writing in his latest newsletter, it reads: "For now, rivals are again eyeing their brilliant youth products, such as Gabi, Pedri and - of course - Lamine Yamal.

"Arsenal and Liverpool would greatly fancy the latter, improbable as it seems right now. They will need to sell. The CAS case illustrated there are no real creative options left."

However, the 17-year-old has made it clear he wants to stay at the Nou Camp forever. "I hope I never leave Barca, I hope to be a legend at Barcelona," Yamal said previously.

"Being compared to the best in history [Lionel Messi] is incredible. It means you're doing something right.

"Comparing yourself to him is very difficult, I try to be myself and be remembered as Lamine." It's claimed Barcelona have put an eye-watering €1billion release clause in Yamal's contract, with his deal not set to expire until June 2026.