Liverpool handed transfer lifeline as Arne Slot's top target makes demand after £30m bid

Liverpool have been given a boost in their pursuit of Giorgi Mamardashvili after Arne Slot’s top target pleaded with Valencia not to scupper his move to the Premier League, as both parties continue to haggle over his £34million price tag.

The Georgia international is desperate to join the Reds this summer after they registered their interest in early August. However, a fee is yet to be agreed between the clubs after a £30m bid was rejected.

But Mamardashvili has made it clear he wants to join the Reds to become Arne Slot’s first signing, with the Dutchman yet to bring in a player since succeeding Jurgen Klopp in June.

However, the La Liga outfit are sticking to their £34m (€40m) valuation for their shot-stopper – a price that is currently beyond what Liverpool are willing to pay.

According to The Mirror, the Merseyside club are offering a package worth £30m including add-ons for the highly-rated goalkeeper. It is thought he would operate as their No. 2 behind Alisson Becker, although other reports have suggested he could be loaned back to Valencia for the 2024-25 campaign.

Mamardashvili’s advisers have reportedly urged Valencia to return to the negotiating table to push through a deal, which could work in Liverpool’s favour as they aim to thrash out a deal.

They are hoping to strike a compromise with Los Che which will see them pay an initial £30m fee and include bonus clauses, which would be based on how many appearances Mamardashvili potentially makes for the Reds.

The report adds there is ‘growing belief’ internally that Mamardashvili will become Slot’s first signing and his agents’ demand to the Spanish side is likely to speed up the process.

The 23-year-old has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Chelsea in the past.

But his displays at Euro 2024, where he shone for his nation at Euro 2024 before their exit at the round of 16 stage at the hands of Spain, have garnered attention other members of Europe’s elite.

He appeared in all but one of Valencia’s La Liga games last season, conceding 41 goals and keeping 13 clean sheets as Ruben Baraja’s side finished seventh in the Spanish top flight.

His arrival would surely spell the end of Caoimhin Kelleher’s career at Anfield, with the Republic of Ireland international known to be seeking a move away from the club for some time.

Kelleher, 25, is surplus to requirements at Anfield but there is no shortage of interest in the talented shot-stopper.

Juventus are the latest team to have been linked with the £25m-rated keeper after scouting him during pre-season. And his sale would go some way towards funding a move for Mamardashvili, who has two weeks left to seal his dream move to the Premier League.