Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Jurgen Klopp tipped to axe senior Liverpool star and replace him with key Man Utd, Newcastle target

Joel Matip Virgil van Dijk Liverpool 2022 TEAMtalk1

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could look to replace Joel Matip with Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo this summer, according to reports. 

Matip has struggled for form overall this term and has fallen behind Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk in the pecking order. As a result, he is surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Now, Liverpool are primed to make a bid for Todibo, who is one of the most in-demand defenders in Europe at the moment.

This season, Matip has made just 13 appearances in the Premier League. Admittedly, he has missed some matches due to injury, but his recent form has left a lot to be desired.

Indeed, the 31-year-old has played in just two of the Reds’ last eight league games. With that in mind, it would be no surprise to see him sold this summer.

According to Italian journalist Francesco Balzani, as cited by RomaPress, Liverpool have ‘offered’ Matip to Roma, as they look to get him off the books. They will also demand a fee in the region of €15m (approx. £13.2m) for his services.

There’s no doubt that Matip has been a good servant to Liverpool over the years. But now, it seems his time has come to move elsewhere.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool primed for midfield signing that could coincide with ruinous Man Utd exit

Todibo linked with Liverpool move

However, if Liverpool do choose to offload Matip, they will need to bring in an adequate replacement.

Joe Gomez’s performances this season haven’t been great either, so they could look to bring in more than one centre-back.

As previously noted by TEAMtalk, Liverpool could look to sign Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka. He will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season, and is considered a top talent.

But, if Manchester City sign Kim Min-jae from Napoli this summer, the Italian club could hijack the Reds’ move for Ndicka. Clearly, nothing is certain just yet.

Now, as per a report from French outlet L’Equipethe Reds have also ramped up their interest in Nice defender, Todibo.

Although, they claim that Liverpool are joined by Manchester United and Newcastle United in their pursuit, so there is no shortage of interest in his signature.

Along with the Premier League trio, it’s believed Inter Milan and Napoli have already been in contact with Todibo’s entourage.

Given the widespread interest, Liverpool will have to out their money where their mouth is to get a deal over the line. As per L’Equipe’s report, Nice are looking for a fee of €40m (approx. £35.2m) for his services.

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