Liverpool news: Arne Slot 'approved transfer' as FA launch biting investigation

Liverpool's preparations to face West Ham are well underway after Arne Slot led his side to victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League and bounced back from his first defeat as boss

Liverpool returned to winning ways at the weekend against Bournemouth and have the opportunity to once again garner momentum with another midweek match.

The Reds have defeated the Cherries and AC Milan since falling to defeat against Nottingham Forest. Next they will take on West Ham in the Carabao Cup.

Arne Slot will hope his side continue to grow after his first setback as Liverpool boss and has already drawn praise from his squad in his first months in the job. Progressing past the Irons to begin his side's defence of their EFL Cup title will prove a positive way to continue his tenure.

Mirror Football takes a look at some of the news currently surrounding Liverpool below.

Zubimendi claim

Real Sociedad star remains of interest to Liverpool, despite the midfielder turning down a move to Anfield this summer. The Spanish star seemed set to become Slot's first signing earlier this year but ultimately decided he did not want to leave the Basque region.

Fabrizio Romano claims that the Reds retain their interest in the 25-year-old however. The Italian suggests that his signing had been approved at all levels of the club.

Romano said: "Slot says it’s time to move on from Zubimendi because he didn’t join. [ Liverpool ] are very happy with the players they have, especially Ryan Gravenberch who is doing fantastic… great impact for the new manager.

Image: Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

“[Liverpool] tried in the summer [to buy Zubimendi] in every way, including sending [Stefan] Bajcetic on loan and they were prepared to pay the release clause, but the player wanted to stay at Real Sociedad. Zubimendi remains a player of interest for Liverpool because the board, the directors, the manager approved Zubimendi as a target."

Kelleher's Arne Slot claim

Caoimhin Kelleher is enjoying life under Arne Slot at Liverpool. The Republic of Ireland international planned to complete a transfer over the summer but remained at Anfield as the Reds signed Giorgi Mamardashvili but allowed him to remain on loan at Valencia.

Kelleher made his first apperance of the season in Liverpool's win over Bournemouth after Alisson Becker was ruled out due to injury. Despite his lack of playing time and ambitions to be a No.1, Kelleher is pleased with Slot's efforts so far.

“I think we were obviously very disappointed with what happened last weekend [against Nottingham Forest ] but all we can do is bounce back as a team and I think we have done that in the last two games," he said.

“So, we just need to keep this momentum now and keep the confidence. We all love working under the new manager and things are really coming together now so hopefully we can keep the results going, and the performances.”

Kelleher has not given up hope of earning further opportunities and hopes his saves against the Cherries made an impact. “The chances are few and far between sometimes so obviously I need to come in and do well," he added.

"I’m happy to make some saves and the most important thing is the clean sheet, so I’m happy with that.”

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

FA launch investigation

The Football Association have launched an investigation after Liverpool loanee Owen Beck claimed to be bitten by a Preston player while playing for Blackburn.

Beck was sent off during the clash after kicking out at Duane Holmes, with forward Milutin Osmajic alleged to have bitten Beck. The defender could be seen telling referee Matthew Donohue “he bit me” while showing him his neck.

Osmajic could face a lengthy ban after the FA opened an investigation into the incident during the ill-tempered derby. Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace claimed Beck was shaken by what had transpired.

"I haven't really seen it, he went to clear the ball and possibly caught the lad," he said. “He's got a big bite mark on the back of his neck. It's a shame the referee didn't see that as well. He has been in and shown the lads. He's very disappointed to be sent off and you don't expect him to have that either. He's a bit quiet in there and a bit shaken up.

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