LONDON: Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior as new manager Andoni Iraola looks to strengthen his squad with world-class players.

Vinicius, 26, is currently undergoing rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on his chin following his performance with Brazil at the World Cup.

The winger underwent an aesthetic procedure to balance the shape of his chin in Goiania after Brazil were eliminated by Norway in the last 16.

Vinicius is expected to be ready for the new season after undergoing surgery which is reported to have cost between £3,000 and £14,000.

Now, according to Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Liverpool have put the player on their target list.

The Reds are looking for a high-profile striker following the departure of veteran player, Mohamed Salah.

However, the report states that Liverpool do not plan to sign Vinicius in this summer’s transfer window, instead hoping to sign him on a free transfer in 2027.

New contract negotiations between Real Madrid and Vinicius are said to have reached an impasse, with Liverpool now leading the Premier League clubs interested in his services.

Alvarez de Mon said on his YouTube channel: “Real Madrid is interested in renewing Vinicius’ contract and Vinicius also wants to stay at Real Madrid.

“That is the official stance of both parties, but so far I am not aware of any developments that the differences between them have been resolved.”

“Vinicius’ representatives will of course have to do their job… to find out the position of other clubs that might want to sign Vinicius, whether in 2026 or 2027. We are mainly talking about Premier League clubs.

“In the initial inquiry, there was one club that responded positively to the interest in Vinicius, but in terms of numbers, it would be more suitable for 2027. That club was Liverpool.

“If Vinicius becomes a free agent in 2027, not only will Premier League clubs be paying attention, but I’m sure Bayern Munich and PSG will also be monitoring him.

“I’m increasingly convinced that a contract renewal this summer is unlikely to materialize.

“Of course, how comfortable or uncomfortable Vinicius is under (Jose) Mourinho, the Brazilian’s performance and how the team functions will be a very important factor.”

Vinicius is considered one of the best players in the world and is set to have an important season under Mourinho.

Besides Vinicius, Liverpool have also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) striker Bradley Barcola, who is reportedly valued at £100 million.

CHICAGO: Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola admitted that his team still needs several new players to strengthen the squad ahead of the new English Premier League (EPL) season, following the loss of several key players and being plagued by injury problems.

So far, Liverpool have brought in Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, but are also missing Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, while Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are still sidelined due to injury.

Iraola, however, refused to specify the number of players that need to be brought in because the transfer window is still open, but admitted that the team must always be ready to take advantage of opportunities to acquire quality players.

“It is difficult to say how many players are needed when the transfer market is still open. We need to always be open to new options to increase the strength of the squad.

“There are some positions that clearly need additional players. For example, we definitely need to get a winger.

“At the same time, there are also several other positions that need to be evaluated based on the players available on the market, the cost of transfers and the ability of existing players. We also have several injured players and we believe in them, but the situation is not ideal,” he told reporters in Chicago.

The departures of Salah, Robertson and Konate also caused Liverpool to lose several experienced players who were previously the backbone of the team.

At the same time, the future of Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker at Anfield is also still a question mark, but Iraola hopes the player will remain with the club.

“Alisson is a very important player in helping the adaptation process of new and young players.

“We need players who can be a reference like Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Joe Gomez, who have been with the club for a long time. I am sure their experience will help the team a lot,” he said.

Liverpool begin their pre-season campaign against Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday, before facing Wrexham, Leeds United, AS Monaco and Como.

The Reds are scheduled to open the 2026-2027 EPL campaign with action at Newcastle United on August 23.

NEW YORK: Julian Alvarez finally spoke out after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

The Atletico Madrid striker posted a message on social media to thank the Argentine fans who have always supported the national team throughout its campaign.

The message came as Barcelona were reportedly still negotiating to secure the services of the 26-year-old player.

Via Instagram, Alvarez said ‘I am very grateful to all the Argentines for the support, enthusiasm and trust given until the end of the competition.

“We all dream of bringing home the trophy but regardless of the result, we will never forget all the experiences and feelings we have had throughout these 50 days.

“Winning a title is wonderful, but representing this flag with dedication, commitment and wholeheartedness is the true reflection of who we are.”

Commenting on the future of the national squad, Alvarez said ‘we will rise, learn and continue to move forward because this is who we are.

“We know no other way than to continue fighting for this flag and dreaming of placing Argentina at the highest peak.”

MANCHESTER: Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has described Kobbie Mainoo as the club’s “present and future” after the youngster signed a new contract.

Under former manager Ruben Amorim, Mainoo was previously linked with a move away when he struggled to find a place following competition with team captain Bruno Fernandes.

However, the 21-year-old player once again shone under Michael Carrick before signing a new contract until 2031 with a handsome salary increase.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Casemiro praised Mainoo’s qualities.

“He is the present and future of this club,” said Casemiro.

According to Casemiro, Mainoo is more suitable to play as a number eight midfielder than the number five position.

“He loves the ball, needs the ball and rarely loses possession. He is strong and has high quality.

“But he needs consistency every game,” he said.

Casemiro is expected to leave United at the end of the season after four years with the club.

He also defended Carrick, who is now interim manager after replacing Amorim until the end of the season.

Carrick has successfully brought United back into contention and almost certainly qualified for the UEFA Champions League next season.

“For me he deserves to stay. The team is playing well and improving from game to game,” added Casemiro.

The former Real Madrid player also compared Carrick to experienced coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“He understands this club and knows what the players need because he himself has played at the highest level,” he added.

Casemiro also named Diogo Dalot and Fernandes as key influences in United’s dressing room.

However, he also praised veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who is considered to have played a big role in maintaining the team’s atmosphere.