Liverpool given green light to sign ‘excellent’ star, he’d improve them massively

So far this summer, it feels like Liverpool have been linked with an abundance of players.

Almost every area among their ranks needs upgrading and, without them doing this, they could end up falling even further down the table than they did last term.

This would be far from ideal, especially when the Anfield outfit only just managed to qualify for the Champions League this time around.

But, since they spent over £450 million last summer, it does feel like their dealings will be limited which is why every move will count.

At the moment, Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola seem like Liverpool's top priorities but, that doesn't mean that they're not looking at other potential options that they could explore.

Roma have extended Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract which could open the door for Manu Kone's exit

Liverpool's attack is the main area that they need to bolster this summer.

Hugo Ekitike's return date hasn't been set yet and, now that Mohamed Salah has joined Trabzonspor, the hope of him making a dramatic return has dissipated.

So, having Mbaye and Barcola as their main targets makes a lot of sense.

But, that doesn't mean that Liverpool shouldn't be looking for ways to improve the other areas of their squad.

Barely any of the Reds' first-team squad met expectations last term which is why rumours about improving their midfield have also emerged.

And now, thanks to an update from Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool may have just moved a step closer to signing Manu Kone from AS Roma.

"Lorenzo Pellegrini has just signed a new one year deal at AS Roma until June 2027," he wrote.

"Club statement to follow."

Why Lorenzo Pellegrini signing an extension could allow Liverpool to sign Manu Kone

Last season, Kone was one of AS Roma's most important midfielders.

The Frenchman played 37 times for the Serie A outfit across all competitions and contributed to five goals across all competitions.

Thanks to these performances, several clubs showed an interest in signing him with Liverpool and Manchester United at the front of the queue.

One of the main reasons why Roma haven't moves him on yet was their inability to replace him.

However, now that Pellegrini is staying put, it means that the Serie A outfit have one less thing to worry about.

In the past, the 25-year-old has been called an "excellent" player and, since he's only rated at around €50 million (£42.8 million), he wouldn't even cost Liverpool that much to sign.

There's obviously less than a month left of the summer transfer window now so time is running out for deals to be made but, now that Roma have a back-up option to replace Kone, a deal could be struck fairly quickly.

Here's hoping that Liverpool haven't left it too late and are able to get this move over the line.