By Liam McLaughlan
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot avoided commenting on whether Liverpool would sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong ahead of their clash with Brighton on Monday.
The Reds are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Leverkusen about triggering the player’s £30million release clause that would see them replace the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to sign for Real Madrid.
The Premier League champions have also seen links to Florian Wirtz emerge, setting up a potential double swoop from the German outfit.
When asked about the transfer links, Slot said: “I think again it’s going to be a boring answer.
“We don’t talk about the players we want to bring in until they have signed for us. Then, you can ask me everything about them.”
Next season in thoughts
Slot did admit, however, that the club are currently thinking about how his Liverpool side will shape up next season.
“A larger part of my mind now is already into next season, than it would have been had the next two games still been decisive for us,” added the Reds boss.
“It’s a normal situation that my thoughts, if I’m on the couch tonight, are more into next season than they would have been if the games were still very important.”
Liverpool’s summer is expected to be a busy one.
The club are looking to strengthen their defensive and forward lines, and a number of outgoings are expected.
Darwin Nunez, Caoimhin Kelleher, Frederico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, and Kostas Tsimikas are among those facing potential exits.
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Hard to motivate players following title victory, admits Slot
With the Premier League title already wrapped up, Slot has acknowledged that it will be hard to motivate his players for the remaining games of the season.
Since securing the title, Liverpool have lost to Chelsea and have drawn with Arsenal after squandering a 2-0 half-time lead.
The Liverpool squad were granted four days off following the Arsenal result, holidaying together in Dubai, while Slot himself went to Ibiza.
Asked if it is harder to motivate his players after securing the title, he said: “I think the honest answer is yes, although I cannot look into all of their heads.
“But I think it’s clear to everyone that if we would still compete for the Premier League then there would have been a few days off as well but probably we wouldn’t have gone somewhere else.”
Time off defended
Slot defended allowing the players some time off, insisting that it will have no impact on Monday’s game at the Amex Stadium.
“If we can’t get a result [at Brighton] then that has nothing to do with players enjoying a few days off but it will probably be the story in the media.”
The hosts are unbeaten in their last seven home games, and have only lost three games at the Amex all season, presenting a tricky fixture for Arne Slot’s Reds.
Brighton team news
Brighton are still without James Milner, Ferdu Kadioglu, Solly March, and Georgino Rutter due to injury.
Captain Lewis Dunk is expected to return to the squad following his minor hamstring injury that left him unavailable for the win over Wolves.
Karou Mitoma could also return after missing four games due to heel and back issues.
Joao Pedro is also available again, having served a three-match suspension for violent conduct against Brentford.
The Seagulls will be glad to have the Brazilian back, having contributed 16 goals and assists for them all season.
Danny Welbeck will be looking to continue his recent run of form against Liverpool, having been involved in four goals in his last five appearances against them.
The forward recently scored his 10th goal of the season, the first time he has reached double figures in the Premier League.
Liverpool team news
There are no new injury concerns for Liverpool, but Joe Gomez still remains a doubt, despite a recent return to training.
Slot faces a decision over whether to include Trent Alexander-Arnold in the matchday squad, following the vociferous reaction from the Liverpool fans toward him in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
Conor Bradley is likely to start from the right-back position, as Slot aims to provide him with much-needed game time.
Simon Wilkes 
Ciara Mina