Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Klopp elbows Ten Hag aside with Liverpool to sign €40m Man Utd target – with cheeky €35m move for Juventus attacker next

Jurgen Klopp has Benjamin Pavard and Federicho Chiesa as Liverpool transfer targets

Liverpool are reportedly pushing forwards in a bid to lure Benjamin Pavard to Anfield from Bayern Munich – with his signing freeing up  Trent Alexander-Arnold to push forward into a new advanced midfield role.

The Merseysiders are eager to put a hugely-disappointing 2022/23 behind them with some impressive summer deals. And with a number of players already confirmed as leaving Anfield, together with a pretty hefty summer budget, Liverpool fans will expect a very-different looking XI next season.

Indeed, they have already nailed signing No 1 in the shape of Alexis Mac Allister. The World Cup winner has moved from Brighton, signing a five-year deal and for a fee far less than everyone initially expected.

However, Liverpool are not resting on their laurels and plans for further additions are already well underway. To that end, the Reds hope to add at least two more midfielders with Khephren Thuram and Kouadio Kone among those they are keen on.

One solution that did present itself to Jurgen Klopp late last season was the decision to move Trent Alexander-Arnold into a more central position.

The full-back has created nine goals in the Premier League last season and now has 64 to his name throughout his time on Merseyside. However, his defensive abilities are sometimes called into question and he can look a weak point for the Reds against some of the better sides they face.

But some brilliant displays in a more advanced role late this season offered Klopp a potential solution.

And in order to make the move a more frequent option, Liverpool are looking to sign a new top-tier right-back in his place.

READ MORELiverpool stun Man Utd with talks underway for clever Klopp signing at knock-down rate

Benjamin Pavard to Liverpool: transfer rated by Christian Falk

As a result, reports on Saturday outlined a possible Liverpool swoop for Pavard.

The versatile France star can cover at both right-back and in central defence, making him a perfect addition for Klopp.

And with Bayern Munich seemingly willing to let the 27-year-old leave for a fee of €40m (£34m), the price ticks a lot of boxes for Liverpool.

Now reports in Germany suggest Liverpool are leading fellow suitors Manchester United to Pavard’s signature.

And respected Bundesliga transfer expert Christian Falk has described the Merseysiders as “hot candidates”.

“Benjamin Pavard has informed the club that he wants to move in the summer,” Falk wrote for Caught Offside. “His agents are already talking to other clubs. Among them, Liverpool is now a hot candidate.

“Previously, Chelsea and Barcelona were already known to be interested, as well as Italian clubs AC and Inter Milan.”

It is now down to Liverpool to meet Bayern’s demands for the World Cup winner. However, there is a growing belief in Germany that Pavard will make the switch to Anfield in the coming weeks.

Liverpool prepping Federicho Chiesa offer

With midfield and defence the main targets for Klopp to strengthen this summer, it will perhaps come as a surprise to see Liverpool being linked with yet another attacking addition.

Yet according to Calciomercato, Liverpool are also ready to make a swoop on Juventus for winger Federicho Chiesa.

The Italy star has long been linked with a move to Anfield. Indeed, Klopp’s interest dates back at least two summers now.

Now the Italian outlet claim his time with the Bianconeri is in some doubt. As a result, Liverpool will reportedly ‘test the waters’ with an opening €35m (£30m) bid.

That is likely to fall below Juventus’ valuation of the 40-times capped Italy winger.

However, there is a belief in Italy that Juve would be willing to sell the 25-year-old for the right price. Quite what that is set at, remains to be seen. But with only UEFA Conference League football on offer next season, Juve’s finances have taken a hit. As a result, Chiesa could find himself the first of several big-names stars up for sale.

Klopp is well blessed for attacking options, so is unlikely to go out his way to secure his signing.

But if he can bring him in for such a sum, Klopp will be eager to get a deal done.

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