First Julian Ward target emerges as hope grows of deal for dream Klopp signing

Liverpool FC’s sporting director-in-waiting Julian Ward is reported to be already working on his first major signing for the club – and with it bring in a dream addition to Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.

It’s no secret that the Reds would like to add a new midfielder to their ranks. They allowed Georgino Wijnaldum to depart as a free agent last summer, while veteran schemer James Milner is not getting any younger. Furthermore, doubts continue to emerge on where Naby Keita fits into Liverpool’s midfield system.

Indeed, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alacantara seem very much established now as Klopp’s preferred trio. They give the Reds the perfect shield for their defence and also have the know-how about how to control the crucial midfield area.

One area the fall short in, however, is with goals. Indeed, while Henderson and Thiago have weighed in with impressive strikes of late, neither can be considered prolific.

As such, adding more goals and creativity to their midfield ranks is very much in Klopp’s thinking.

Now, according to Fijachés, the Reds are reactivating their efforts to sign Fabian Ruiz. The Napoli man has long been on Klopp’s radar and has been a target for the German since his time at Real Betis.

They write the Reds almost made a move for him last summer, before finances dictated otherwise.

However, the Spanish outlet claims the Reds are back in the hunt for his signature – and this time they have renewed hope.

Fabian Ruiz transfer top of Ward agenda

Incoming sporting director Ward is reportedly making strides in his efforts to land Fabian.

Although not officially succeeding the departing Michael Edwards until July 1, he is reportedly looking to make the player the first headline-grabbing capture of his reign.

Klopp to stand firm with Liverpool team for AC Milan

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to make a raft of changes for Tuesday’s Champions League clash away at AC Milan.

The 25-year-old’s deal at Napoli expires in summer 2023 and it’s reported that Liverpool see an opening.

Fabian seems unlikely to sign fresh terms, meaning Napoli will likely have to cash in summer 2022.

Despite having just 12 months left on his deal, Ruiz will likely still cost around £34m (€40m). Indeed, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are admirers of the Spain midfielder and may also look to rival the Reds.

Fabian boasts five goals and three assists from 15 Serie A appearances so far this season, a goal involvement every 1.875 games.

Liverpool make contact with promising defender

Liverpool’s transfer plans have been hard to predict in recent years. They only made one signing in the summer, which was Ibrahima Konate.

But they are continually linked with players of varying pedigree. As well as top talents, they regularly seem to have an eye to the future.

As such, reports in Spain during the week claimed Liverpool have stepped up the chase for centre-back Ronald Araujo.

Indeed, they claim they have made contact with the player and his representatives, touching base over key areas.

Liverpool have offered to double his wages to €6million (£5million) per year.

What’s more, they have reportedly given Araujo assurances over a key role at Anfield. The defender would reportedly be guaranteed regular action in Liverpool’s rotatable back line.

Ultimately, the ambition of a proper trophy hunt under Klopp has attracted the player’s attention.

However, Barcelona still want to convince him to stay as his contract runs out in the summer of 2023. If they cannot do so, they would want to sell him next summer to avoid the risk of losing him for free.

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