Roberto Firmino could be set for double Liverpool boost thanks to Darwin Nunez

For those supporters who seemingly place as much stock in transfers as they do results on the field, it's a phrase which, when uttered, is in danger of causing their temperature to rise more than a UK heatwave.

It would be wise, then, to stand well back if you refer to any current squad member as potentially being like a new signing in the forthcoming campaign.

In fairness, shiny new faces are by definition far more alluring or appealing than refurbished old ones. Particularly when they have been at Liverpool for seven years.

But there is a sense among the Reds squad this season may prove something of an Indian summer for Roberto Firmino.

The last campaign was one of frustration for the Brazilian, who suffered four separate injury setbacks. He missed the League Cup final through one of them, and was restricted to late cameos from the bench in both the FA Cup and Champions League showpieces.

However, despite making only 17 starts - by far the lowest number in any season since arriving from Hoffenheim back in 2015 - he nevertheless managed 11 goals and five assists, with exactly half of his goal contributions coming as a substitute.

Bench duty may again be Firmino's most likely role this term - which has taken on greater importance with the switch to five substitutions in the Premier League - but the early signs are he has no intention of settling for that.

In both pre-season friendlies in the Far East tour, and the win over Crystal Palace in particular, Firmino appeared sharp, linked well with his fellow forwards, caused problems for the opposition with pressing and dropping in between the lines, and was a goal threat.

Usurped by Diogo Jota and then Sadio Mane as the central striker last term, Firmino now has the sizeable