IN THROUGH THE OUT DOOR

Reds already making strides to strengthen squad - but others could be on way

- By IAN DOYLE Chief LFC Writer

AND we're off. The most exciting part of the calendar for some football supporters is now upon us with the official opening of the summer transfer window.

Well, the first bit at least. Due to the contentiously revamped FIFA Club World Cup, the transfer window will initially stay open until June 10 before then reopening as was initially planned on June 16 and run until 7pm on September 1.

The current earlier period is ostensibly so those competing in the ill-advised competition have time to sign new players, although any club can utilise the window.

And Liverpool have already very much taken advantage of that fact by negotiating the £8.5million transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid a month before he was able to join the European Super League advocates for nothing.

With the Bernabeu side taking over the last month of the player's contract, it's a deal worth £10m to the Reds.

A third of that has already been spent on strengthening Liverpool's right wing with the acquisition of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5m.

And the Reds are confident they can thrash out an agreement with Leverkusen for their highly-rated 22-year-old attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.

The Germany international wants to move to Anfield, with talks ongoing between the two clubs.

Liverpool's latest offer of a €130m (£109.6m) package inclusive of add-ons is still being considered by Leverkusen, who initially valued the player at around €150m (£136m).

Liverpool will also look to further their interest in Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who has been teasing a move to Anfield for some time.

The 21-year-old Hungary international is valued at around the £45m mark.