Liverpool lead Chelsea in summer transfer race for Rayan Ait-Nouri

Liverpool are in pole position to sign Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, according to Abdel Hamed.

Reported via the Liverpool Echo transfer blog [28 June], the journalist claims that the Reds are leading Chelsea and Manchester City in the race to sign the defender.

Hamed adds that Ait-Nouri wanted to be coached by Jurgen Klopp, but the appointment of Arne Slot doesn't impact his desire to move to Anfield.

The 23-year-old has two years left on his Molineux deal, with Wolves having the option to extend for a further year.

Liverpool have found their long-term Andy Robertson replacement

Andy Robertson has established himself as one of the Premier League's best left-backs during his time at Liverpool.

The Scotland captain currently holds the record for the most assists by a full-back in Premier League history.

Now 30 years old, the Reds need to start thinking about long-term replacements.

In 2020, Kostas Tsimikas joined to be just that, but it's safe to say that it hasn't worked out after four years.

Excluding an FA cup final winning penalty against Chelsea in 2022, he has failed to impress at Anfield.

Ait-Nouri has been reportedly a Liverpool target for a long time.

Algerian outlet La Gazette Du Fennec [27 June] have reported, alongside Hamed, of the Reds' outstanding interest in Ait-Nouri.

The 23-year-old has four years of Premier League experience under his belt at Wolves.

He fits the profile of a Liverpool-type signing and could be a direct replacement for Robertson.

Wolves are another side in need of raising funds to comply with Profit and Sustainability regulations. The club need to sell by 1 July to avoid sanctions.

Max Kilman is on the radar of West Ham but there is still a gap between the clubs in valuation.

Liverpool could swoop in for Ait-Nouri at a cut-cost price of £34 million. That would see the Reds secure a player for the future and help Wolves avoid PSR sanctions at the same time.

In other Liverpool news, Liverpool have entered talks with Newcastle United over Anthony Gordon.

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