Liverpool could land summer transfer target for bargain fee as Chelsea star's value doubles

With the end of the international break in sight, Premier League fans can look forward to their clubs returning to top flight action this weekend. April is fast approaching and the fight at both the top and bottom of the table remains almost impossible to predict.

One thing that we know for sure though, is that all those involved in these respective battles will soon be turning to the transfer market to either splash cash or raise it. As we look forward to domestic football making its return, let's take a dive into some of the latest Premier League transfer headlines.

Liverpool could be handed potential transfer price slash

Liverpool could be in store for quite a busy summer transfer window for a number of reasons. Last summer, the Reds were unable to focus on anything but plugging the gaps left by their five departing midfielders — and also trying to fend off the hungry Saudi Arabia teams throwing absurd money at Mohamed Salah. They made no signings in the January window despite being hampered by injuries to key players, and Liverpool are also due to see some senior personnel leave the club this summer when their contracts expire.

New midfielders and defenders remain a priority for the Reds, who are preparing for their first transfer window without Klopp. They recently identified Nottingham Forest's Murillo as a target for the end of the season. Naturally, Forest are desperate to keep hold of the 21-year-old, as he only joined last summer. However, they may have their hands tied.

According to Football Insider, Nuno Espirito Santo's side may be forced to cash in on Murillo if they are relegated or their financial situation demands them to raise funds. Their initial asking price for the centre-back was in the £40-50 million region but the report states that Forest may have no choice but to slash these demands in order to sanction a sale for the greater good.

The 3AM Verdict: After injuries to the majority of their backline this season, Liverpool need solid new defensive reinforcements. Joël Matip's contract is up in June and clubs are showing interest in Joe Gomez — a title-challenging side cannot get by with just three recognised senior centre-backs. Bringing in someone like Murillo is a move that needs to happen to ensure injury doesn't completely ransack the squad again. The new price may still be classed as a little high for a substitute player, but today's market commands obscene money, so it's probably about right for where we are.

Chelsea name £85 million price tag for key player

Another report from Football Insider has reported that Chelsea, amid their plans to shift some weight this summer, have valued star player Cole Palmer at a whopping £85 million, just six months after bringing him to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City.

The Blues snapped up the versatile England international for £40 million in September, meaning that if a club want to sign Palmer this summer, they will need to fork out more than double what Chelsea paid less than a year ago. The powers that be at the Bridge are also reportedly looking to offer the 21-year-old a bumper new contract, which could all be part of their plan to keep him at the club for as long as possible.

The 3AM Verdict: With 16 goals and 12 assists across all competitions so far this season, it's not hard to imagine why Chelsea are pulling out all the stops to try and tie Palmer down for as long as possible. The impact he has made has been nothing short of sensational and he is already attracting attention from around the world. However, Chelsea should know more than most that every player has his price and sometimes you simply have to agree on a deal. If they can keep hold of Palmer, the will have another season with one of the world's most exciting young talents at their disposal. If a rival club meets their £85 million asking price, then they can enjoy the hefty pay day, having banked double the profit for Palmer's signature before even reaching the 12-month mark with him.