sporting director Richard Hughes will reportedly have to work within a strict budget this summer as he looks to restructure 's squad this summer. The Reds opted against splashing the cash ahead of this season, but a major overhaul appears to be on the cards this time around.

With out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season, signing a right-back is expected to be a priority on Merseyside unless a breakthrough is made in contract negotiations - though reports suggest that the England international is destined for .

Several players have been linked with replacing the Liverpool academy graduate, and report that Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong remains the top target on Merseyside.

Slot has been clear that he believes the Dutch international is capable of replacing Alexander-Arnold seamlessly and has been in direct contact with the player about a potential move. The Reds boss has also spoken over the phone with Frimpong's representatives.

A face-to-face meeting may now take place over the coming weeks, with Liverpool laying the groundwork for a deal before tabling a concrete offer for the 24-year-old.

Liverpool aren't alone in their interest in Frimpong, but Slot is hopeful of showing the right-back that his side are the 'most attractive' outfit and would suit his profile better than other clubs.

Director of football Michael Edwards is hoping to lean on his 'good relationship' with the management at Leverkusen to strike a deal for Frimpong, though he has reportedly already been set a clear budget by Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) which he must remain within.

Nevertheless, there is confidence that an agreement can be reached for a fee in the region of £41million - which could be a small price to pay to replace a player as influential as Alexander-Arnold has been this season. Although the No. 66 is already viewed as being an attacking defender, Slot feels that Frimpong can add an 'even more offensive' profile to his right side.

With Alexander-Arnold said to already be in talks with Los Blancos, Liverpool will be hoping that and - who are also set to become free agents this summer - do not follow the right-back out of the Anfield exit.