Bournemouth could significantly dent Liverpool's chances of winning the Premier League when they lock horns this weekend. The Cherries will host Arne Slot's side at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon as the race for top four builds a head of steam.

Liverpool suffered a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night, but, fortunately enough, they had already secured automatic qualification to the Champions League round of 16. The Reds will be eager to return to winning ways, but Bournemouth are 12 games unbeaten across all competitions.

While Slot leads his side into battle, he'll be hoping higher-ups are working hard to make a signing. So, with that being said, the ECHO rounds up all the latest news and transfer gossip.

READ MORE: Liverpool have main concern as reason for transfer plan becomes clear

READ MORE: Arne Slot already knows why FSG headhunt could pay off for Liverpool

Liverpool eye Bundesliga star

According to Christian Falk at the German newspaper Bild, Liverpool are interested in signing Xavi Simons. The report states that RB Leipzig are open to selling the 21-year-old midfielder in the summer, and they're willing to negotiate a fee in the region of €80m (£67m).

It's said that Manchester United and Manchester City are also keen on Simons, who sees his contract at the Red Bull Arena expire in June 2027. Falk claims Liverpool are 'observing his situation'.

The ECHO says: "Xavi Simons would be an absolutely brilliant signing for Liverpool! I'd love to see how Arne Slot plans to fit him into his starting lineup. He's a really exciting player. Lets not forget the Dutch connection too!"

Iraola gives Bournemouth transfer update

Andoni Iraola has confirmed he doesn't plan to sell any more players in the January transfer window. Milos Kerkez has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool this month following his impressive performances for Bournemouth.

"I don't think anyone is gonna leave," said the Cherries boss. "But, in the market you never know what is going to happen. I don't think the plan is not [to sell any more]. The ones who are with us continue until the end of the season.

"Let's wait and see what happens in three days. You don't know, maybe we have an offer of crazy money for someone. We are seeing what is happening in the last days with other teams, but that is not the plan, no."

The ECHO says: "I'm not surprised! I think Liverpool will go for Milos Kerkez in the summer if the Bournemouth defender can keep up his impressive performances. He's shown signs that he could be the perfect replacement for Andy Robertson, so let's see."

Liverpool youngster sent on new loan

Liverpool have announced Stefan Bajcetic will join Las Palmas on loan until the end of the season. An official club statement reads: " Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has completed a loan switch to Las Palmas until the end of 2024-25, subject to international clearance.

"Bajcetic spent the first half of the current campaign with Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg, making 19 appearances, including six in the Champions League. The 20-year-old has now departed Salzburg and sealed a temporary move to La Liga side Las Palmas for the remainder of the campaign.

"Bajcetic has played 22 games and scored one goal for the Reds since making his senior debut back in August 2022."

The ECHO says: "I hope Stefan Bajcetic gets plenty of game time to shine. The Spanish top flight is a big stage, so hopefully he can hold his own and force himself into Arne Slot's plans in the summer."