With Andoni Iraola signed and sealed, Liverpool have instantly turned their focus towards hijacking one of Manchester United's midfield pursuits.

Liverpool plotting shock Man Utd hijack

The Reds wasted no time before finding Arne Slot's replacement, welcoming former Bournemouth boss Iraola. The Spaniard arrives with plenty of work to do if he wants to raise the standards that dropped at Anfield last season, but has already won fans over in his first Anfield interview.

Addressing supporters, he said: “I think Liverpool gives me the chance to coach top players, and top players give you the chance to fight for titles. To win titles. It cannot be more attractive than this.

“Obviously when you arrive at a place, you cannot promise everything. You cannot promise. But it’s true that I understand where I’m coming and what is expected. I’m ready for the challenge.

“At the beginning when you arrive at any club, I think you need to kind of prove a little bit yourself. You need to earn the right also to belong."

That will be music to the ears of every Liverpool fan, and so will reports of the manager's first potential addition.

According to A Bola in Portugal, via Sport Witness, Liverpool are eyeing a deal for Mateus Fernandes to hijack Man United's pursuit this summer. The Red Devils have been put off by West Ham's £68.3m (€80m) valuation and do not want to go beyond £47m (€55m) to sign the midfielder.

That leaves the door ajar for Liverpool to make their move and land what would be a much-needed midfield reinforcement for Iraola this summer.

Though it's currently unclear whether the Reds would do what United are refusing to do remains to be seen, but Fernandes is certainly one to watch.

£68m Fernandes would be major upgrade on Mac Allister

When Slot looks back at where it all went wrong at Liverpool, he will look at his midfield. The Reds went from unshaken and in control, to overrun and far too beatable in the middle of the park in the space of just one season.

Fitness looked worryingly non-existent at times, and so did the intensity - leaving many to look back at Jurgen Klopp's electrifying tactics.

Iraola should help roll back the years, but he needs the personnel to do so and that's where Fernandes could prove to be an excellent signing.

The numbers are particularly damning for Alexis Mac Allister, who is likely to be the man replaced if Fernandes arrives this summer. The Argentine international, in an intense system, may get left behind.

With Man United shocked by the £20m difference in valuation for Fernandes, Liverpool should take full advantage and swoop in ahead of next season.

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