Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Klopp ready to pounce as source hints £50m man favours blockbuster Liverpool transfer

Liverpool's James Milner and manager Jurgen Klopp share a joke after the Premier League match at Anfield

Liverpool are seemingly emerging as favourites to sign a £50m star in 2022 with Jurgen Klopp finally looking to secure a long-term replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum.

The Reds saw the Dutchman depart over the summer for PSG, bringing an end to a highly-successful five-year stint on Merseyside. However, Liverpool opted against signing a replacement, trusting instead to rely on youth. As for Wijnaldum, he’s indicated that a move to the bright lights of the French capital has not worked out as first appeared.

Liverpool though started the season with Harvey Elliott in their midfield. The teenage star impressed until a cruel injury at Leeds in September left him facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Since then, Klopp has afforded chances to the likes of Curtis Jones, veteran James Milner and Naby Keita. Indeed, Klopp will have hoped that this was the season that Guinean star Keita stepped up for the Reds.

Indeed, Keita has endured a tough spell at Liverpool since joining in 2018. While he has shown flashes of his talent, injuries have largely kept his progress at bay.

That has not changed this season. He may have scored two fantastic volleys, but he still does not form a crucial part of manager Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

The second of those volleys came on Tuesday, as Keita put Liverpool 2-0 up against Atletico Madrid.

However, he only lasted 45 minutes and came off in place of Fabinho at half time. Indeed, Klopp wanted stability after Keita struggled to keep the likes of Joao Felix and Thomas Lemar at bay.

Indeed, it’s with that in mind why Klopp is seemingly now ready to turn to Leicester’s Youri Tielemans.

The midfielder is rightly considered one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. However, with his contract at the King Power due to expire in summer 2023, the Foxes are desperate to get him to commit to a new deal.

However, reports are indicating that the Belgian has rejected the club’s latest contract offer and seemingly sees his future elsewhere.

Indeed, according to Voetbal24, six clubs are in pursuit of the 24-year-old. With ambitions of playing in the Champions League, the Belgian source claims Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all keen on a deal.

Liverpool urged to move for Youri Tielemans

Liverpool urged to move for Youri Tielemans

Liverpool urged to move for Youri Tielemans over Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma, with more news on Jurgen Klopp's attacker shortlist and as they join the Erling Haaland race.

Furthermore, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on his situation.

However, Tielemans is reportedly ready to say yes to Liverpool should the Reds make a firm move. And with an obvious gap to fill in Klopp’s side, he reportedly favours a switch to Anfield above all others.

Leicester, however, are unlikely to let the midfielder depart cheaply. Even with just a year left on his deal, come summer 2022, ther Foxes will still reportedly hold out for close to £50m.

However, that’s unlikely to be a fee that will daunt Liverpool as Klopp finally finds a midfield fix.

Hamann fumes at Keita tactical flaw

Dietmar Hamann, meanwhile, claims Keita needs to do more off the ball and his lack of effort is proving costly.

Responding on social media to Atletico clawing back a 2-0 deficit, Hamann did not mince his words.

Taking to Twitter Hammer said “Keita was at fault for both goals”.

In a separate tweet, he added: “[Jordan] Henderson has been a brilliant leader since taking the captaincy and [James] Milner is 35 giving everything he possesses week in week out.

“Keita only wants to play when they’re in possession and cost €75m.

“Hugely disappointing considering it’s his 4th season. Simply not good enough.”

READ MORE: Bullish Liverpool not put off as Klopp joins PSG hunt for Man City star