Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool ready to go for broke and sign classy £180m duo to revolutionise problem area for Jurgen Klopp

Frenkie de Jong, Steven Bergwijn and Cody Gakpo

Liverpool could reportedly break the bank and sign two outstanding young stars who would completely transform Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.

Former West Ham and Scotland striker Frank McAvennie believes the Reds could make a big difference to their side by landing Jude Bellingham and Cody Gakpo, although he would pick the former head of the Dutchman if only one signing was possible.

The Anfield outfit have been linked with Dortmund star Bellingham over the last couple of seasons, with Klopp a massive fan of the England star’s talents.

However, the 19-year-old comes with a hefty price tag, with Dortmund set to demand £130million for his services.

The Reds are not the only suitors for Bellingham as well, with Manchester United and Manchester City also in the mix.

The Three Lions star has only added to his value at the World Cup in Qatar. Indeed, Bellingham has been outstanding for an England side that will face France in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening.

As for Gakpo, the Dutchman is passing his own World Cup test with flying colours.

The PSV star has played a major role in the Netherlands’ progress to the last eight and is available for a fraction of Bellingham’s price.

Dutch outlet Voetbal International recently stated that the Merseysiders are set to enter talks with Gakpo’s representatives.

Klopp’s side are said to be willing to pay upwards of £40million for the 23-year-old whose PSV Eindhoven contract expires in 2026. However, there’s a strong feeling that another £10m has now been added after Gakpo’s efforts in Qatar.

Double signing would be massive for Liverpool

And while it appears that it’s a ‘one or the other’ scenario, McAvennie thinks there is a chance both could join.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “Liverpool might try and get the two of them.

“Bellingham will be their number one. And then they will be looking at who they can get if they do not get him.

“He [Gakpo] has not really played out his skin. He has scored three goals. When Bellingham plays he pulls the team along, you can tell that he shines every game. Gakpo is just scoring goals.

“There is nothing wrong with that but I do not think he has the same influence as Bellingham. He is only 19, he has got a presence about him. He is going to be a great wherever he goes.

“I have watched quite a bit of the Netherlands and Gakpo does not dictate the game.”

McAvennie’s comments of Gakpo do appear a little harsh, given that the PSV star tends to play wider for the Netherlands so it’s harder to dictate play from there.

Bellingham, meanwhile, has an arrogance about how he can dominate a midfield.

The England man has also shone regularly on the Champions League stage. To that end, he would be an incredible addition if Liverpool can get him.

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