Andoni Iraola makes firm decision about signing Junior Kroupi for Liverpool

Andoni Iraola is unlikely to pursue a move to sign Eli Junior Kroupi for Liverpool despite their strong relationship built at Bournemouth.

The new boss has been tipped to bring in a number of star players from his Cherries squad, but currently has no plans to raid his former club, with other targets in mind.

Hugo Ekitike's injury blow and Alexander Isak's inconsistency has led to suggestions that the Reds will look to bring in a new forward in the summer window.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool will not pursue a move for Kroupi as he would expect to be a regular in the XI.

Iraola is instead keen to work on getting Isak back to his best, while Ekitike will return next year, and any replacement is likely to be short-term or a versatile option.

That could open the door for one of Kroupi's other major suitors, although there is still a strong chance that he could remain at Bournemouth beyond the summer.

What does Andoni Iraola have planned at Liverpool?

Football Insider revealed on 1 June that Iraola has three major transfer targets at Liverpool, but has no plans to revisit his Bournemouth squad in his pursuit.

The Spaniard wants to bring in a new left-back, a right-sided winger and a central midfielder, with the positions emerging as key concerns ahead of the window opening.

A new striker does not rank highly on the Reds' shortlist, and they are now not expected to step up their interest in Kroupi, leading to further uncertainty.

"Iraola is going to have to put transfer plans in place at Liverpool," Brown told Football Insider.

"There are a number of positions where they need to improve, but I'm told a new striker isn't high on their list now, there are other positions they want to target.

"There's been some talk about Iraola wanting to sign Kroupi from Bournemouth, but I would be very surprised if that move happened.

"They've still got Alexander Isak, who they spent £125million on, and Ekitike, even though he's out injured until next, will come back into the side.

"So bringing in another striker, where will he fit in? Kroupi will want to play regularly, so that's part of the reason I can't see it happening. They already have the players they want."

Which other clubs are interested in signing Kroupi?

News that Liverpool have cooled their interest in Kroupi will come as a significant boost to other interested clubs, not just in England but across Europe.

The forward is believed to be open to leaving Bournemouth, while the Cherries would not stand in his way of a big move, placing clubs on high alert.

Football Insider revealed in April that Man United are interested in doing deal to sign Kroupi, and feel he could be lured away from Bournemouth this summer.

The 19-year-old's goalscoring exploits in the Premier League have inspired high-profile interest, while Michael Carrick is keen to bolster his squad this summer.

There is also said to be interest from Champions League finalists Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, who could now be tempted to step up their interest.