Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Klopp accelerates plans to sign Juventus star to scupper Man Utd in move that’ll transform Liverpool problem position

City Of Dortmund, Germany. 03rd Sep, 2021. firo: 03.09.2021, Fuvuball, 1st Bundesliga, season 2021/2022, BVB, Borussia Dortmund, SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, German-British #Freundship Award, award ceremony to coach Jurgen Klopp , Liverpool FC

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly ready to go big in an effort to sign a Juventus star in what could be the first of three new signings to bolser their midfield this summer.

The Reds have let their standards drop a little this season, falling off their usual own high standards. And while Sunday’s thumping 7-0 win over Manchester United has gone in history, they still have work to do to salvage their season.

Indeed, they have already relinquished their grip on the FA Cup and Carabao Cup trophies they won last season. And they also face a huge battle to win any silverware this season with a mountain to climb in the Champions League. And while their demolition of United will give them hope, they will need another huge display to overturn a 5-2 deficit against Real Madrid next week.

That said, hopes are at least alive that Liverpool can reclaim a spot in next season’s Champions League. Just a few weeks back, Jurgen Klopp’s side were down in mid-table and looking some distance off from a top-four finish.

However, their recent form has rekindled that hope with the Reds now just three points behind Tottenham in fourth with a game in hand.

Qualification for the Champions League will undoubtedly help with Liverpool’s rebuilding plans this summer.

Not only will the additional funds go to good use, it will also help attract prospective new signings.

That will certainly help their cause as far as Jude Bellingham is concerned. The teenager is likely to top Liverpool’s midfield wanted list this summer, despite Borussia Dortmund’s demands for a fee in excess of £100m.

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Amid Liverpool’s apparent struggles, though, Rio Ferdinand recently suggested the star might be better off opting for Man Utd.

However, the Merseysiders seemingly remain favourites to land Bellingham irrespective of whether they finish top four or not.

And it seems the England star will be just one of up to three new midfield arrivals at Anfield this summer.

Now, according to Football Insider, Liverpool are also ready to make a serious push to sign Rabiot too.

The France midfielder will be out of contract at Juventus in July and available on a free transfer.

Juventus are keen to extend Rabiot’s stay, though the player himself is seemingly happy to bide his time. Indeed, with Juve having been hit by a 15-point penalty for financial irregularities, their participation in European competition next season looks doubtful.

Currently seventh, they remain some 12 points adrift of the Champions League places.

As a result, Rabiot will reportedly wait and see where Juventus finish before making any firm decisions on his future.

However, Klopp is seemingly looking to give Rabiot food for thought by making a bumper offer now.

They state that the Reds boss is determined to land the 27-year-old on a free as the first addition to his midfield. Landing a player of his quality as a free agent will ensure they have more funds in the bank to push through a deal for the likes of Bellingham.

Wolves’ Matheus Nunes and Moises Caicedo of Brighton are also on their radar.

Move will scupper Man Utd plan

Rabiot currently earns an estimated £140,000 a week at Juventus. However, on the free market, the player – under the control of his mother and agent Veronique – knows he can earn even more.

Madame Rabiot held talks with Manchester United last summer over a prospective move. And while they could not agree a deal then, they are expected to return for the midfielder once again.

Indeed, Erik ten Hag seemingly has designs of pairing Rabiot up in midfield with Casemiro next season. There are also reports of interest from both Manchester City and Tottenham too.

However, Liverpool hope to get in there first after establishing contact with the player.

Rabiot has made clear his Premier League return wishes, having had a spell at City earlier in his career.

Speaking earlier this season, Rabiot said made clear his ambitions.

“I feel attracted by the football, by the Premier League itself and its super competitive nature,” he said.

“I loved my time there, even if I was young. And I liked the culture and the life; my family liked it too.

“I am not indifferent to playing in England, but there will be many options to consider.”

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