Liverpool
Premier League • England
Pundit names ‘concrete’ Premier League target as ‘good fit’ for Liverpool to fix problem area
Former Leeds United forward Noel Whelan has named the midfielder he believes could fill a big hole for Liverpool in the heart of their midfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s normally strong engine room has been a real issue for the Reds this season and it’s well-known that the Liverpool chief is looking to make at least signing in that area.
Wolves star Ruben Neves is one name that continually pops up in conversations over a potential switch to Anfield. And Whelan sees no reason why the 25-year-old would not be a success on Merseyside.
It was reported earlier this week that Liverpool have turned their attention to Neves, having come to the realisation that a January deal for top target Jude Bellingham will simply not happen.
Football Insider also revealed that an Anfield source explained that the interest is “concrete” and they will bid if offered encouragement that a deal could actually happen.
Neves will be out of contract in 18 months and Wolves have already added former Southampton star Mario Lemina to their ranks this month.
Portugal international Neves has been a real mainstay for the Molineux outfit since his arrival, notching 19 goals and eight assists in 160 top-flight appearances.
Neves a natural fit for Klopp’s midfield
And Whelan is convinced he would do well at Anfield, telling Football Insider: “I think they [Liverpool] definitely need more options in midfield, 100%.
“They’ve got plenty of options like Henderson or Oxlade-Chamberlain, but these are players who can’t play the majority of games.
“They need more. They can’t go and get Bellingham this month – that’s not going to happen.
“They’ve held off and not spent in the midfield area, but Neves would be a good fit and would give them a much-needed boost in that area.
“The midfield is looking like the root of a lot of Liverpool’s problems right now.”
The Reds currently sit a hugely disappointing ninth in the Premier League table after recent shock defeats by Brentford and Brighton
However, they will be hoping to get back to winning way when they face an equally disappointing Chelsea side at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime.