Liverpool news: Reds to win race for England star as Arne Slot admission comes to light
Arne Slot's Liverpool face some big transfer questions going into the summer but before that comes the more urgent matter of the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle
by Tom Victor · The MirrorLiverpool have the chance to win their first trophy of the Arne Slot era on Sunday when they take on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
Slot's team remain firm favourites for the Premier League title, but suffered elimination from the Champions League in midweek. They will need to quickly shake off that penalty shoot-out defeat to Paris Saint-Germain when they head to Wembley.
Even if they manage to retain the trophy they won in 2024, Liverpool might feel they need reinforcements during the summer transfer window. Questions remain over the future of three out-of-contract stars, but a marquee signing or two might be required regardless.
We've got the latest on one big-money target, as well as some more build-up to the final. Here are Mirror Football's latest lines from around Anfield.
Reds favourites to land Guehi
Sunday's final at Wembley isn't the only area where Liverpool and Newcastle are poised to do battle. Both teams are also in the hunt for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, and Arne Slot's men are leading the way.
Guehi has excelled for Palace since joining from Chelsea in 2021, and now captains the side. Chelsea themselves have made efforts to sign the defender, but Mirror Football understands his preference is Liverpool.
The England international could end up being a direct replacement for Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, whose own future is uncertain. "If there is news, you guys will know it. I don't even know myself," the Dutchman said in midweek.
Endo shares Slot admission
Wataru Endo has been on the fringes for Liverpool in the Premier League this season, but has featured more regularly in the Carabao Cup. The Japan international may well have a part to play on Sunday, and has spoken of the message sent to him by manager Arne Slot.
Who should start for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final? Have your say in the comments section
"I don't play in the Premier League much but when I play cup games, I want to win them and I'm so happy to go to the final," Endo said on his podcast The Red Machine.
"Recently the manager told me what I've done this season is really amazing and really helpful for the team because even though I haven't had the chance to play a lot, when I do, I always try and give 100 per cent to help the team. The manager is very grateful for that."
Slot recognises trophy demand
Arne Slot has admitted he knew he'd be expected to vie for trophies from the get-go after joining from Feyenoord. Predecessor Jurgen Klopp won the Premier League and Champions League during his time in charge, and the Reds have been in contention on plenty of occasions even when not managing to get over the line.
"I think expectations are always there, yes, it is a part of this club, part of the history of this club and part of inheriting a quality squad as we have," Slot said ahead of Sunday's final. "Maybe winning it is a bit too much if you talk about expectation but definitely competing for it because winning is always also about small margins.
“But the expectation was definitely there to compete, not immediately my thoughts were winning it but I knew that I had to compete.”
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