Liverpool transfer news: Klopp told deal for top midfield target is on with agent backing Serie A side to sell
Liverpool have been told the opportunity to sign a top January midfield target is there if they want to take it, with a prominent agent backing his side to listen to offers next month.
The Reds are seeking fresh blood in midfield with a number of absentees hindering their progress this season. Indeed, Naby Keita has not kicked a ball since the Community Shield, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain only has four appearances to his name. With the pair out of contract, exits at Anfield in 2023 look on the cards anyway.
They are not the only two hit by injuries either in the Reds engine room. Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson have both succumbed to niggling injuries, while James Milner surely won’t go on forever either. The veteran midfielder also turns 37 next month and there are growing theories this may be his last season at Anfield.
As such, it’s little surprise to see Klopp scouring the market for would-be additions. They did manage to bring in Arthur Melo on a season’s loan in the summer. However, the Brazilian has proved a calamatous signing, and is currently ruled out until February.
To that end, Jude Bellingham is their No 1 target, with hopes growing the Reds can do a deal. Their chances have been lifted on Tuesday amid claims one of their major rivals are no longer in the running.
There are also reports that Declan Rice may be an option for Liverpool too. The England man has quietly impressed in Qatar for Gareth Southgate and has made clear his wishes to play at a higher level.
As a result, one journalist has explained why a move to Anfield would interest Rice.
Sofyan Amrabat transfer to Liverpool hopes grow
Another player they are reportedly keen on is Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat. The Moroccan has impressed during the World Cup with his nation through to the quarter-finals; their best-ever result in the tournament.
And per Tuesday’s Transfer Gossip, the Reds have already made contact with his agent over a prospective move.
His deal at La Viola is due to expire in summer 2024, with Amrabat currently earning less than £30,000 a week. As such, he understandably wants a payrise, though is yet to commit to any new arrangement with the Serie A side.
Reports claim Liverpool are offering a package more than double what he currently earns; an amount La Viola would not be able to compete with.
And now agent Gianluca Nani claims Fiorentina are likely to sell if Liverpool present them with a decent offer.
Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb, he claims the player has more than proven his worth at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.
“Amrabat is a very good player who didn’t start well. Maybe he’s not among the top three in the world in his role but he’s a good player who is justifying the money spent on him by Fiorentina,” he said.
“He’s at the centre of the project. Liverpool on him? I haven’t heard the word, also because I don’t look for it, I have a different job.
“But it is true that Liverpool are looking for more than one player in that role. I don’t know if Amrabat is on their list, then it’s difficult to say if he’s worthy of Liverpool: they’ll evaluate him even if in the Premier League the intensity needed is great.
“On the figures, if Liverpool want a player, they will spend even 100 million. It depends if they rate him as a Liverpool player or not.”
Klopp given transfer hope
Hinting, though, that a sale could be on the cards, Nani says past history tells us that La Viola are likely to cash in.
Giving Liverpool hope that a deal could be on, he added: “As far as Fiorentina are concerned, I am always for giving up in the face of fair offers and then reinvesting in the appropriate way.”
Amrabat has played 78 times for Fiorentina since a 2020 switch from Club Brugges, scoring once.
A skilled technician who posseses an excellent engine and a good passing range, he looks perfectly suited to Klopp’s midfield.
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