Andoni Iraola: Liverpool manager's 'first task' revealed as transfer talks underway

Andoni Iraola has been tasked with assessing his Liverpool squad and identifying key areas to improve ahead of the summer transfer window.

The newly-appointed Reds boss will work closely alongside Richard Hughes, with whom he shares a strong relationship after their time together at Bournemouth.

As many as five key positions of the team are likely to be identified, with the addition of a new goalkeeper, centre-back, right-back, midfielder and right-winger in mind.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that discussions have already taken place with the recruitment team as Iraola prepares for a busy window.

Despite having spent over £450million last summer, there are still major improvements to be made, with a potential overhaul of the squad on the cards.

Which positions will be key for Andoni Iraola?

Football Insider revealed on 1 June that Iraola will meet with Liverpool's recruitment team to assess the future of a number of players as well as potential additions.

Some of the Reds most reliable long-serving players are now ageing or considering moves away, while they are short of options in other positions.

As a result, an overhaul of the defence is becoming a real possibility, while Iraola is working to assess his priorities, with major changes expected ahead of the new season.

"Iraola's first task is going to be to assess his squad," Brown told Football Insider.

"He needs to know which players he wants to keep, which ones he wants to get rid of, and any positions on the pitch where he feels they will need to strengthen.

"We expect he will want to come in and get Liverpool playing the same way his Bournemouth side did, with energy and a high tempo, but that will require changes.

"There are a few key areas of the pitch which it has become clear will need upgrading, not least at centre-back, where Van Dijk is ageing and Konate is set to move on.

"They still need a new right-back, because Bradley and Frimpong haven't been good enough and have had their injury issues.

"The goalkeeper is ageing now, he's had injury problems too and we don't know if he's going to be allowed to leave.

"They've got good options in midfield, but they're very similar types of players, so the manager might want to bring in a different profile in that position.

"And then the one I expect will be the biggest priority at the moment is finding a new winger to come in and replace Mohamed Salah, that's going to be crucial.

"So it's a very big job for Iraola, but preparations are underway and he will be working closely with the recruitment team to get the squad in the right shape for the season."

Why did Liverpool choose to appoint Iraola?

Iraola arrived at Liverpool last week as the replacement for Slot, following what had been a disappointing season at Anfield despite qualifying for the Champions League.

However, there have been suggestions of disagreements behind the scenes over the Spaniard's appointment, with other candidates having been snubbed.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Iraola was not Liverpool's first-choice target, and he believes they rushed into his appointment.

The Reds set themselves the target of having their next manager in before the World Cup, and in doing so landed the Spaniard as he had only recently become available.

Hughes is believed to have been the driving force behind his appointment, leading to disagreements with the board during the process, and doubts are now lingering.