Liverpool Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of July 1

The transfer window is officially open and the players are back in preseason training, so it's time for another round-up of all the latest links and rumours regarding Liverpool.

This time we've got the news regarding two young midfielders currently at the club as well as conflicting reports on a centre-back, the latest on Tom Ince and plenty more.

Here's your roundup of Liverpool's apparent transfer activity—check back regularly to see this page updated with all the new news!

————Latest update: Sun, July 7

Henrikh Mkhitaryan Update

One of the Reds' prime targets, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, has also turned out to be a big target for UEFA Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.

There were reports that a deal had been agreed between they and Shakhtar Donetsk, but ESPN report that is not the case. Shakhtar's chief executive indicated there was still a €5 million gap between the German club's offer and the Ukrainian's valuation of the attacking midfielder.

Where at one time it looked as though the Reds were close to landing a big player with a big fee, it now appears that might be a dwindling possibility.

Christian Atsu Latest

James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo claims that the Reds are no longer interested in Porto winger Christian Atsu.

With one year left on his present contract, the Ghanaian winger was estimated to be available for around just £3 million, but the Echo reports that Brendan Rodgers has decided he will be better served by continuing to use his current playing staff.

The likes of Jordon Ibe and Raheem Sterling operate in similar roles, if not playing style, to Atsu, and the manager seems set to hand both players more opportunities next season.

Aly Cissokho Resurfaces

Dean Jones of Mirror Football reports that the Reds have turned their attentions to Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho after missing out on Lucas Digne.

Brendan Rodgers is hopeful of landing the French defender for as little as £4 million as Valencia are still struggling financially.

Cissokho has previously played for Lyon and Porto, and has one cap for France.

Kolo Toure Signs

First up, Liverpool have confirmed the signing of central defender Kolo Toure.

Toure joins on a free transfer from Manchester City after his contract expired. He will wear the No. 4 shirt at Liverpool. His capture was confirmed by the official club site some time ago, and on Tuesday the necessary paperwork was completed to finalise the deal.

Jonjo Shelvey

Back to the rumours, as Jonjo Shelvey is the first player linked with a move out of Anfield this summer.

The Daily Mail are reporting that the England U-21 midfielder is wanted by the likes of Swansea City, Norwich City and West Ham United, with Liverpool considering selling him with plenty of players ahead of him at present.

Fees of between £5 million and £8 million have been mentioned in accordance with a possible sale for Shelvey, though plenty of fans believe he may still only leave on loan.

Mamadou Sakho

Conflicting reports now on a central defender, with Paris Saint-Germain's Mamadou Sakho a reported target for Liverpool in some outlets.

Charles Perrin of the Express is indicating that Sakho is aware of Liverpool's interest, and indeed that the Reds have made him a "primary target" as they look to strengthen their back line this summer. AC Milan are also monitoring the player, who does not want to remain a substitute next season with the World Cup looming large.

Elsewhere, Massimo Marioni of Goal.com is reporting that Liverpool are not at all interested in signing Sakho, and that he does not figure on their list of potential recruits. Kyriakos Papadopoulos remains the preference for Brendan Rodgers, according to that report.

Jay Spearing

Another Liverpool midfielder, Jay Spearing, is being linked with a move to Wigan Athletic.

Spearing spent last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, and Simon Jones of the Daily Mail reports that he could now move to Wigan to be reunited with Owen Coyle, who was boss of Bolton when Spearing joined.

No fee is mentioned, but Liverpool will likely not expect to recoup more than £2-3 million for the academy graduate.

He has played a total of 55 senior matches for the Reds.

Jose Callejon

Real Madrid winger Jose Callejon continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool, possibly now in a move independent of any Luis Suarez transfer.

Pablo Polo of Marca reports that Liverpool are one of three teams interested in signing the winger, who is unlikely to get a look-in at Real Madrid next season. Callejon can also play as a centre-forward, though is more frequently used from the right side.

It appears unlikely at present that Callejon might be a perfect fit for Liverpool's system, though he may be Rodgers' "alternative" tactical option. Whether the player wants to swap Real's bench for Liverpool's is another matter to consider.

Tom Ince

Liverpool no longer appear to be involved in a transfer battle for Tom Ince, but they could benefit from his move anyway.

Darren Lewis of Mirror Football reports that the Reds have a 50 percent sell-on clause included in their deal to release Ince to Blackpool two years ago, so with the likes of Swansea City and Cardiff City putting £8 million bids in for the winger, Liverpool stand to make around £4 million.

A nice amount to go into the fund for signing other, first-choice targets.

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