The transfer market is yet to kick into life in any way at all for Liverpool this summer.
The Reds are usually relatively pro-active in the window, trying to get bodies through the door – and out the other way – as quickly as they can.
However, with Arne Slot only just taking charge, things have been put on the back-burner. Two summer international tournaments haven’t helped quicken things along, either.
Nevertheless, time is certainly now ticking. Liverpool need to start finalising the players they want to target and finding new clubs for those deemed surplus to requirements.
Handily, after reports on Tuesday, it seems as though Slot can actually kill two birds with one stone and do both those things at the same time.
Liverpool handed advantage in Riccardo Calafiori chase
Some will disagree, but it should be relatively clear that Liverpool’s priority this summer should be adding a new centre-back to the first-team squad.
Those who won’t be on the same page with that suggestion are perhaps those who feel Liverpool actually have options in the academy who can offer an in-house solution.
As Jarell Quansah expertly showed last season, you don’t always need a big money signing to fill a hole in the squad.
Fast forward 12 months, and hopes that another solution can be found from inside the AXA Training Centre largely rest on Sepp van den Berg.
READ MORE: Sepp van den Berg rated as one of the best young defenders in Europe
Van den Berg had a super season on-loan with Mainz, leading to suggestions that Slot will take a look at him in pre-season.
Since then though, Van den Berg has made it clear that he wants to leave Liverpool before the summer is through.
Given how well he did last season, there is seemingly no shortage of those interested in the 22-year-old. The latest reports claim that Bologna would love to sign Van den Berg as a replacement for Riccardo Calafiori.
As those who have been close attention to the transfer window and all of its rumours will know, Liverpool are interested in Calafiori. As a result, it isn’t a big leap to suggest that the Reds have just found themselves an advantage in the race to sign the Italian.
Swap deal on the cards for Liverpool
Although Liverpool reportedly value Van den Berg at around £20, Calafiori’s price-tag comes in at about £10m more.
So, if Liverpool suggest a direct swap for the two players plus a little extra cash, we don’t see why the Serie A side would be too upset.
Both players are 22 and were among the most impressive in their age group in Europe last season. Calafiori’s good showings at Euro 2024 have likely heightened his value though, which Liverpool will be wary of.
The Reds will also no doubt be aware that Juventus are firmly in the race for Calafiori. With Juve seemingly unsure over paying Bologna’s price-tag though, Liverpool must use this chance to get ahead.
Van den Berg is clearly a good player but with his mind made up to leave Anfield, the Reds now have a clear chance to use that to their advantage and muscle Juve out of the way.
Liverpool tend to be experts at creating relationships between clubs. And allowing Bologna a free run at Van den Berg could end up being beneficial for everyone.