Liverpool transfer news: Reds 'closing in' on £1.5m defender signing

At just 16 years of age, Alvin Ayman has already featured for Wolverhampton Wanderers' Under-21 side, making a pair of appearances in the Premier League 2 during the 2023-24 campaign.

Ayman made substitute appearances in victories over Derby County and Everton - helping Wolves keep a clean sheet in the latter - in addition to playing seven matches for the club's Under-18s.

The teenager was part of the Wolves starting lineup in a 4-2 Under-18 Premier League win over Liverpool in April, where he was deployed as a defensive midfielder, but he is also comfortable as a centre-back.

Ayman only joined Wolves from Bradford City last summer, but according to The Secret Scout, the Englishman is set to depart the West Midlands club after just one year to join Liverpool.

Liverpool 'could pay up to £1.5m' for Ayman

The Reds are reportedly "close" to wrapping up a transfer for Ayman, who would become their first signing of the summer window at either senior or academy level.

While Ayman did not play for Wolves' senior team last season or even make Gary O'Neil's first-team squad, he is believed to have travelled with the team for their 5-1 loss to Manchester City in May.

Wolves would be due compensation from Liverpool if a transfer goes through, and the report adds that the Merseyside giants could fork out to £1.5m for the 16-year-old's signature.

Ayman will be expected to join up with the Reds' academy team rather than immediately forcing his way into Arne Slot's first-team squad, but there will seemingly be a clear pathway to the senior ranks for the teenager.

Amid their injury issues in the 2023-24 season, Jurgen Klopp relied heavily on youth during his final several months in charge, often leaning on academy talents plucked from the Reds' Kirkby setup.

Conor Bradley - the 20-year-old Northern Irish right-back - enjoyed a breakthrough season as Trent Alexander-Arnold's deputy, while Jarell Quansah's form earned him a call-up to England's provisional Euro 2024 squad.

Bobby Clark, Lewis Koumas, James McConnell and Jayden Danns were also given ample opportunities to impress in cup and Europa League contests, and Slot is also expected to lean heavily on youth, as he did during his successful Feyenoord stint.

What other transfers are Liverpool targeting?

No senior deals are believed to be advanced at the moment at Anfield, but a new centre-back, full-back, midfielder and winger could all be targeted in Slot's first summer window, as well as a fresh face in goal if Caoimhin Kelleher leaves.

The Reds have identified Leny Yoro as their defensive priority but have allegedly had a £42m bid turned down by Lille, who are aware that the defender is pining for a move to Real Madrid.

Further up the field, Slot has apparently given the green light to a deal for PSV Eindhoven's Johan Bakayoko, who could succeed Mohamed Salah if the Egyptian does not pen a contract extension beyond the summer of 2025.