Jurgen Klopp is already battling to hold on to Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho, with Barcelona not giving up the chase despite having a £72m bid rejected.
The Liverpool boss has insisted Coutinho is not for sale as he continues to put together a side he believes is capable of challenging for the Premier League title this season.
But Express Sport understands Klopp could soon have a battle on his hands to keep another of his key players – Sadio Mane – at the club.
Inter Milan, who have had Mane in their sights for some time, are now ready to make a move for the Senegal international.
Mane made a comeback from injury during the Reds’ 3-0 friendly win against Hertha Berlin at the weekend and Inter are now understood to be preparing a £35m bid.
The winger cost Liverpool £34m when they signed him from Southampton last summer and he is a key part of Klopp’s plans this term.
The 25-year-old, who missed the end of last season with a ligament injury, scored 13 goals last year.
And he has caught the attention of Inter who are keen to bolster their ranks to compete with local rivals AC Milan who have spent big this summer.
Inter have brought in four players so far, with the £20m arrival of defender Milan Skriniar from Sampdoria their biggest outlay.
Striker Facundo Colidio has also been added to their ranks along with experienced midfielder Borja Valero.
And goalkeeper Daniele Padelli also joined on a free transfer.
Speaking about Inter’s pre-season, Spalletti admitted he was pleased with how things have progressed and raised doubts about AC Milan’s big-spending tactics.
“I said in the beginning that the team had qualities that had to be shown,” he said.
“That’s what we have been working on in the last couple of days.
“It’s clear that the team has under-performed in the past few months and it’s clear there is more quality than was shown last year.
“That’s what we have been working towards.”
“Milan have certainly spent a lot but I think teams like Juventus, Roma and Napoli have a better chance as they haven’t had many changes to their squad.”
