Liverpool on red alert as World Cup star 'hands in transfer request' amid Premier League interest

Liverpool have been handed a big boost in their reported pursuit of Matias Fernandez-Pardo. The Reds are in the market for a new winger after the departure of Mohamed Salah, who left Anfield on a free transfer after his contract expired. He was followed out of the exit door by Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, who also left for free, joining Tottenham and Real Madrid respectively. Andoni Iraola, the Merseysiders’ new manager, emphasised his willingness to sign a winger in his first ever press conference as Liverpool boss, and he has already landed Victor Munoz from Osasuna, with the Spaniard still his only new recruit so far. Now, he has his sights set on another wide man that can operate off both flanks. In demand: Matia Fernandez-PardoGettyIt leaves the Reds with Fernandez-Pardo, who plays his club football for Lille, after the 21-year-old shone at this summer’s World Cup for Belgium. Liverpool have been credited with an interest in him by French outlet L’Equipe, who also claim that Arsenal and Chelsea are monitoring the youngster. Fabrizio Romano goes further, reporting that the Belgian could leave Lille this summer, with top clubs preparing bids for the winger, although club president Olivier Letang is adamant that Fernandez-Pardo will go nowhere. “The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not a topic,” Letang said. “We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him.“He never had a release clause. Every player I told could leave has left.“It’s the same old story as last summer, with yet another new agent.”