Klopp favourite receives ‘contacts’ over next move as Liverpool fear damaging exit to European giant

An attacker who is still hugely appreciated by Jurgen Klopp could leave Liverpool this summer after “contacts” began with one of his main suitors, according to a report.

Liverpool are preparing for what could be an overhaul of their squad in the summer. Several players could be on their way out, either at the end of their contracts or via sales. In turn, the club can try to regenerate by bringing in some new players.

But there are plenty of players worth keeping in the Liverpool squad still, despite their inconsistent form this season. A complete change would be excessive.

Therefore, Klopp will be hoping to keep the players he still trusts, even if that might require further negotiations over current contract situations.

For example, Roberto Firmino is due to become a free agent at the end of the season. However, he has been one of Liverpool’s few consistent players this season, scoring seven goals from 14 Premier League appearances.

Hence, there is a chance the Brazil international could renew his contract at Anfield. Alternatively, he would be an attractive player for other clubs to sign on a free transfer.

And according to Gazzetta Dello Sport, “contacts have started” from one of Firmino’s main admirers, Inter Milan.

The Serie A side have eyed Firmino for quite some time, believing he has what it takes to fit in. They are currently debating whether to keep Romelu Lukaku beyond the end of his loan spell from Chelsea, which has been disrupted by injuries.

If they opt to return Lukaku to sender, Inter will need another attacker. But with funds tight, they are looking at options who wouldn’t cost them too much.

Specifically, free agents are on their radar. As well as Firmino, Inter are considering Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram, who will be unattached by the summer.

Salary the main issue for Firmino

In Firmino’s case, the salary he is currently on with Liverpool might be an obstacle for the Nerazzurri. Nevertheless, he is likely to reduce his earnings if he extends his stay on Merseyside, so there may be room for negotiation either way.

Despite no longer being Klopp’s first-choice attacker, Firmino remains useful to Liverpool. Without his contributions in the first half of this season especially, the club might have been in even more unthinkable territory.

Darwin Nunez might be Liverpool’s main man centrally once he fully gets to grips with Klopp’s system. There are also the likes of Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo to call upon in Firmino’s main territory.

At the age of 31, though, Firmino might have to transition into a rotation role. Whether Inter would have bigger plans for him, given they have got through most of this season without Lukaku, remains to be seen.

But there have been continual links between Firmino and Inter, so it is unlikely this will be the last mention of their pursuit.

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