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The Liverpool Echo strongly insist otherwise, but rumours linking Domagoj Vida with a summer move to Anfield still won’t go away. The latest from Turkish outlet Aspor even claim the Reds have already agreed a contract with the World Cup finalist.

So, should the Anfield faithful be pleased with The Liverpool Echo’s most recent claims, or could there be unforeseen benefits to signing Vida – who Transfermarkt value at just £10.8million – before the summer transfer window slams shut? We look at the potential consequences of Jurgen Klopp agreeing a deal for the Croatian defender…

Alberto Moreno finally sold

It seems incredible Moreno’s now been at Anfield for four seasons without every really impressing barring a memorable goal against Tottenham in his second appearance for the Merseysiders. Now into the last year of his contract, Liverpool will surely sell if they receive a decent offer and can find another second-choice left-back before the close of the transfer window.

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Vida’s by no means an ideal replacement – for starters, he’s right footed and pretty average on the ball. But the Croatian international does offer an abundance of versatility, having made a career from operating all across the backline, and if we’re talking about the odd cup appearance here and there, he’s certainly capable of filling in until a better option comes along.

Liverpool more resilient against relegation-threatened sides

Klopp’s signed Xherdan Shaqiri to improve Liverpool’s performances against the lesser sides and the alleged interest in Vida could stem from a similar motivation. The Reds either drew with or lost to all three relegated sides in the Premier League last season, and while Shaqiri offers them an alternative way to unlock those well-organised, deep-sitting defences, Vida’s the kind of rudimentary defender who could stop the goals coming in at the other end against teams who prioritise set-pieces and chances on the break.

That’s no disrespect to the Croatian international, rather recognition of what his key strengths are – namely the ability to battle in the air and confront physical centre-forwards. Think Peter Crouch and Salomon Rondon. He’s quick for an experienced defender too, which is why he’s often asked to fill in at full-back, and that should improve Liverpool’s capacity to defend counter-attacks – something Klopp’s brand of expansive football inevitably leaves them open to.

Klopp adopts back three

Klopp has always been a 4-3-3 man and his signings this summer suggest there won’t be drastic changes to Liverpool’s primary setup. But the Reds desperately lack a Plan B for when their usual philosophy isn’t working and considering how effective it’s proved to be not only in the Premier League over the last few seasons – many through Chelsea and Tottenham – but also at the World Cup with England, that alternative system could well involve a back three.

That would go a long way to explaining why those in Turkey claim Klopp wants another centre-half when there already five at his disposal, and why they believe he’s keen on Vida. Quick for an experienced defender and acquainted with playing full-back, he’s a good fit for one of the wide centre-back berths as is youngster Joe Gomez – who has already turned out there for the Three Lions.

Liverpool certainly have the personnel at wing-back too, so it could prove to be a very savvy setup for the Reds boss.

So, Reds fans, should Klopp swoop for Vida this summer? Let us know by voting below…

After Aston Villa failed to earn promotion to the Premier League following defeat to Fulham in the Championship playoff final, attention turned to Jack Grealish’s future.

The 22-year-old has had some controversial moments in his career so far, but he has also become one of Villa’s most important players.

Since dropping into the Championship, Grealish has scored eight goals and created 10 assists.

The young midfielder has struggled with injuries of late, but he has regularly been linked with a move elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur have been one of the rumoured suitors, but according to a recent report in the Daily Mail, Villa have been left insulted by Daniel Levy’s £20m offer.

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The publication claims that the Midlands outfit will not accept anything less than £35m, which is a hefty figure considering that Grealish is yet to prove himself at an elite level.

On Twitter, Villa fans have discussed the valuation of the midfielder, and some believe that it is a fair price.

According to the Daily Mail, Everton are still interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes before this summer’s transfer window closes for business.

What’s the story?

Everton are working on a number of deals ahead of the closing of this summer’s transfer window, which will occur at 5pm on Thursday.

Free agent Bernard is on the verge of being announced, whilst a deal for Barcelona’s Yerry Mina continues to be mentioned despite reported interest from Manchester United.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Everton are also hopeful of getting a deal over the line for Mina’s teammate Gomes, who has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Manchester United were once strongly linked with the Portugal international, whilst Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have been credited with an interest this summer.

Gomes looks certain to leave Camp Nou ahead of the new season, and Everton seemingly lead the race for a player who desperately needs a change of scenery at this stage of his career.

Would Gomes be a good signing?

Gomes moved to Barcelona from Valencia in the summer of 2016, and it would be fair to say that the midfielder arrived at Camp Nou with a big reputation.

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The 25-year-old has struggled to deal with the weight of expectation in Catalonia, however, and has been strongly linked with a move away from Spain.

Gomes might have had his problems at Barcelona last season, but it is certainly worth noting that the midfielder made 31 appearances in all competitions during the 2017-18 campaign.

It has not quite happened at Camp Nou, but Gomes is a wonderful footballer, and there is absolutely no question that he has the credentials to thrive in the Premier League.

Standing at 6ft 2in and boasting a brilliant engine, Gomes, who can pass off both feet, simply needs his confidence lifted during a difficult stage of his career.

Everton boss Marco Silva wants a new defensive midfielder before the window closes, and Gomes would be a tremendous upgrade on Morgan Schneiderlin.

According to Sky’s Adam Leventhal on Twitter, Watford are working on a loan deal with an option to buy West Brom midfielder Jake Livermore at the end of the season.

The Guardian Live Blog (09/08, 11:11) also reports that 20-year-old midfielder Sam Field may leave the club on deadline day as part of a deal to bring Rangers captain James Tavernier to the Hawthorns, and Baggies fans on Twitter have been fuming that the club could be losing depth in midfield.

Livermore has started alongside left-midfielder Chris Brunt in the middle of the park for West Brom’s two opening games of the Championship season and England U20 international Field is very highly rated among fans after making 10 Premier League appearances last season, scoring one goal.

If both Livermore and Field were to leave the club, with right-back Tavernier coming in, boss Darren Moore would be left with just Brunt, James Morrison and 37-year-old Gareth Barry as options in central midfield until January.

Check out some of the best reactions from West Brom fans here.

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While the transfer window is officially closed in England, EFL clubs are still able to bring in players on loan until 31st August.

And one player who is being heavily linked with a loan move to the Championship is Everton’s Yannick Bolasie.

The Breakdown

According to the Bristol Post, both Aston Villa and Middlesbrough remain keen on bringing in Bolasie on a temporary basis before the 31st August deadline, and Bolasie should strongly consider any proposal that comes his way.

With the arrival of Richarlison, Bernard and the return of Ademola Lookman, the 29-year-old’s playing time at Goodison Park will be extremely limited.

£16.2m-rated (via Transfermarkt) Bolasie already faced a difficult task of convincing Marco Silva he is worthy of a starting berth after a lacklustre season.

The DR Congo international missed half of Everton’s previous campaign having suffered a serious ligament injury in the one prior, but he failed to make little impact once returning to full fitness.

Overall, Bolasie’s career at Goodison Park has not gone to plan since arriving in Merseyside from Crystal Palace for £25m back in 2016 (via BBC Sport).

Bolasie always looked like a threat on the wing during his time in south London but his game often lacked an end product — something which he has transferred to Everton.

Quite simply, Bolasie has failed to deliver after much was expected of him given his transfer fee, although the serious injury he picked up in December 2016 has been significant in regards to why.

Nevertheless, Bolasie will struggle for minutes at Goodison Park this season and should really accept whatever offer Aston Villa or Middlesbrough put on the table.

Celtic have been dealt a massive blow in their search for a new centre-back.

The Hoops were knocked out of the Champions League in the qualifiers by AEK Athens marking the first time in four years they won’t feature in the group stages. They will instead enter the Europa League play-off round alongside Rangers. Brendan Rodgers bemoaned the lack of transfer activity following the defeat meaning their business should intensify as deadline day approaches.

The Northern Irishman wants to bolster his defence before the end of the month. The Hoops had targeted Manchester City defender, Jason Denayer, who previously spent a year on loan at Celtic Park. However, reports suggest that Lyon have won the race for his signature and the defender will travel to France for a medical.

Instead, Celtic should make an audacious loan attempt for Tottenham defender – Juan Foyth. Valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, the 20-year-old graduated the youth academy at Estudiantes in his native Argentina before joining Spurs last summer for a reported £8m. He made seven appearances for the Lilywhites under Mauricio Pochettino.

Way down the pecking order, a loan move would be excellent for his development. Rodgers has a reputation for bringing the best out of young players, and Foyth could be the next star to flourish under his tutelage. A tall, powerful defender who loves carrying the ball out of defence, he would fit perfectly into the ex-Liverpool manager’s system at Celtic Park.

Moving to the SPFL would be a wise move to make.

Celtic fans, thoughts?

Loads of Celtic fans have been giving their verdict on the links to Leicester City centre back Filip Benkovic, and 55 per cent of fans are backing the move.

According to reports, Rodgers wants to bring in one more defender before the window closes, and The Daily Mail have claimed Leicester City’s Benkovic could be that man.

The Croatian defender joined the Foxes this summer for a fee of around £13m, but with new signings Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu joining Wes Morgan and Harry Maguire, it is hard to see the young Croatian getting too much playing time.

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The constant exit links for Dedryck Boyata are perhaps what is fuelling the move for Benkovic, but most fans would agree they need another defender even if Boyata stays.

While Benkovic has huge potential though, the Hoops already have centre backs with potential, and would probably be better suited moving for a more experienced player who could guide youngsters like Kristoffer Ajer and Jack Hendry.

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Fans are split on the move, and you can see the full poll results for yourself down below…

Rangers have completed the free signing of Gareth McAuley, and fans think it could be the perfect way to end their summer shopping spree.

Rangers confirmed their final signing of the summer on Monday, as McAuley will sign a one-year deal subject to international clearance.

The transfer window has of course closed, but McAuley can still sign as he was a free agent before the window closed.

Reports claim both Hearts and Aberdeen were chasing the 38 year-old, but Gerrard and Rangers have now won the race.

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McAuley scored 15 league goals during his seven year stay with West Brom, and standing at 6 ft 5 in will fit in perfectly alongside the giant centre back core Gerrard is building.

None of Nikola Katic, Connor Goldson or Joe Worrall have lots of first team experience, so the capture of McAuley could prove vital in guiding the trio throughout the season.

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Lots of fans have been giving their verdict, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka spent big this summer, splashing out over £20m on a quite incredible 14 signings for the Reds, including the record £13.2m capture of Joao Carvalho from Benfica.

However, things haven’t quite gone to plan in the Championship so far this season and Forest currently sit in 14th place, even though they only lost their first league game of the season on Saturday away at Brentford.

Some fans on Twitter have already been calling for Karanka to be sacked, but this would be a hugely premature move from Forest’s Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Karanka should start by making a change in midfield and replace 33-year-old Ben Watson, who signed for the club under Karanka as a free agent in February, with former Leeds and Sunderland man Liam Bridcutt.

The Scotsman is a defensive midfielder who has the legs needed to protect the back four and was a former Scotland international so clearly has the experience needed to play such a crucial position.

So, Forest fans, do you think Watson should be dropped for the game against Swansea after the international break? Have your say by voting in our poll below.

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Jurgen Klopp has nineteen members of his first-team squad in action during the international break.

Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be in action against Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday with Adam Lallana forced to withdraw from the squad with a groin injury. There was a moment to remember for Andy Robertson who captained Scotland against Belgium and will lead his side out at home to Albania in their Nations League opener. Liverpool fans will also keep a close eye on Brazil with Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino all selected by Tite.

The Reds face their toughest test of the season so far when the international fixtures are concluded. Klopp’s men travel to Wembley to face Tottenham looking to extend their perfect start to the new Premier League season. Spurs suffered their first defeat of the campaign last week to Watford and Klopp will be hoping to inflict further pain to Mauricio Pochettino.

The transfer window may be closed, but the German should be keeping tabs on a potential January signing – Lille winger, Nicolas Pepe. Valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old enjoyed a terrific debut season for his side after joining from Angers last summer. Pepe hit 13 goals in Ligue 1 as well as notching four assists in 34 appearances. He continued his excellent form in the new campaign, scoring once and assisting three in Lille’s opening four fixtures.

Such form should prompt Liverpool to keep a close eye on his development in France. Pepe is primarily a right winger but can also be used as the central striker. With Xherdan Shaqiri providing depth on the right, Klopp could attempt to switch Pepe to the left, a move that was successful with Sadio Mane in the Liverpool attack.

If his impressive exploits in front of goal continue, Liverpool should be chasing him when the window reopens in January.

Liverpool fans, thoughts?