Liverpool transfer news: Manager of Mexican club makes claim over winger

Although Arne Slot had been expected to try to make his mark in the transfer market soon after replacing Jurgen Klopp, his one and only addition to the squad for the first half of the season came during the closing days.

Versatile Juventus attacker Federico Chiesa made the switch to Anfield for a cut-price deal to take Slot's options in that area of the pitch up to six.

With Liverpool having started the campaign with three successive Premier League wins and seven goals having been scored in the process, there is optimism that Slot has everything in place for his side to launch a title challenge.

However, it appears that they were also looking to the future when assessing their options in recent months.

Huerta emerges as transfer target

As per Gustavo Lema, the manager of Pumas, Liverpool had expressed an interest in getting a deal over the line for Huerta.

The nine-cap Mexico international has been enhancing his reputation back in his homeland, starting the campaign with two goals in the opening five league games.

In total, 17 goals and 11 assists have been contributed in 75 appearances in a Pumas shirt, naturally putting him on the radar of clubs in Europe.

At a press conference, Lema acknowledged that Liverpool were admirers of one of his key men, admitting that it made him and everyone associated with Pumas 'proud'.

Lema said: "El Chino was scouted by one of the best clubs in the world and that is a source of pride.

"What are you going to tell people? That you have a player who was scouted by Liverpool? No, people want to win and that is their right. We cannot tell people anything."

Sunderland stance stopped deal?

According to TUDN, there was a plan in place for Huerta to potentially make a loan switch to Sunderland if he had signed for Liverpool.

However, it is alleged that the current Championship leaders opted against signing the 23-year-old on a temporary basis.

That is despite the Black Cats having been in the market for a replacement for Jack Clarke, who had completed a big-money transfer to Ipswich Town.