Liverpool news: Premier League transfer links emerge and Arne Slot reveals 'option'

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Liverpool will be aiming to put their Champions League disappointment behind them this weekend as they face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. The Reds succumbed to a 1-0 defeat away to Galatasaray on Tuesday evening in the first leg of their last 16 round clash.

Arne Slot will now be focused on ensuring Liverpool mount a challenge for the Champions League positions to secure their place in next season's competition. A crushing defeat to relegation candidates Wolves last time out in the league did little to help their cause.

While the Reds' season has been plagued by inconsistencies, the defending Premier League champions have been given reason for optimism thanks to the performances of young winger Rio Nguomha. In today's Liverpool news, Slot has discussed the 17-year-old's prospects while the club have been linked with a shock transfer raid on a rival.

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Slot has not ruled out the possibility of Ngumoha starting against Spurs at Anfield on Sunday. Ngumoha has made 18 appearances for the Reds this season, but has been largely limited to late cameos, with his four starts all coming in the domestic cup competitions.

The former Chelsea youngster has impressed in appearances against Nottingham Forest and West Ham , as well as in the FA Cup win against Wolves. However, Slot resisted the temptation to include Ngumoha in his starting XI against Galatasaray.

Talking ahead of the clash with Spurs, Slot teased the starlet's inclusion this weekend, claiming he is simply one 'option' for the Reds. He said: "It's not that we think so far ahead for his career but we have treated him carefully, I have said that before.

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"He cannot be too many days on the pitch because of stress fractures, players at this club have had that but Rio can start for us. I said he would get more playing time and we saw that so he is an option to start one of the upcoming three games."

Liverpool have been tipped to land Micky van de Ven for a cut-price deal if Tottenham go down this season. Igor Tudor's side are in a perilous position just above the relegation zone and defeat at Anfield could plunge the north London side deeper into the mire.

The Dutch defender has been one of the club's rare bright spots this season and, having missed out on Marc Guehi to Man City, the Reds could seek him out to bolster their central defence this summer. Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer believes the centre-back could be snapped up if Spurs are relegated and a mass exodus of players follows.

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, the former Ireland international said: "There are a couple out there, but Micky van de Ven seems to be [on the market].

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"It will be interesting to see how it develops at Tottenham because if they do go down, they will be looking to offload players, and Liverpool might nick him for a little bit cheaper."

Van de Ven's admiration for Liverpool could hand the Anfield outfit an edge. Speaking in June 2023, shortly before his £43m switch to Spurs from Wolfsburg, he told Voetbal International : "It's true that the director [then Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke previously worked for Wolfsburg] went there and I know that Liverpool followed me before. But at the moment, I don't know anything. Do I think Liverpool is a nice club? Naturally."

However, Liverpool won't be able to cast an eye on Van de Ven come Sunday as he serves a one-match ban for his recent red card against Crystal Palace .

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