Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool transfer surprise with midfielder loan signing on cards as Klopp decides to sell popular defender

Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool seen during a training session before the UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Paris

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool are ready to make a surprise late foray into the transfer market as Jurgen Klopp looks to find a short-term fix to a long-term Reds conundrum.

The Merseysiders have struggled to match their recent high standards so far this season and currently sit ninth in the Premier League table. And six defeats from their 19 matches so far represents a significant fall from grace compared to recent campaigns. As it stands, Liverpool sit 10 points adrift of the top four and are an eye-watering 21 points behind leaders Arsenal.

The crux of their problems lie in the midfield area, which Klopp has tried long and hard to fix. The Merseysiders made a play to bring Aurelien Tchouameni to Anfield over the summer, only to see the Frenchman opt for Real Madrid. Here the player has explained why he opted for Madrid over Merseyside.

And while Arthur Melo was signed on loan, the Brazilian has rarely featured after struggling with a series of injuries.

As such, the likes of both Leeds and Brighton have exploited a surprising lack of energy in the Reds midfield to claim wins against them this season.

That was perhaps never better illustrated at the AMEX in a 3-0 defeat Klopp described as the worst of his reign.

To that end, Liverpool’s need to strengthen in midfield is very well documented. Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham is their No 1 target and the Reds appear on track to secure his signing. And this update from a trusted Sky Sports reporter on Tuesday will certainly put a smile on Klopp’s face.

As well as Bellingham, Paul Joyce reports that Matheus Nunes is another player high on Klopp’s wanted list.

Klopp ready to make new Liverpool plunge into the loan market

However, neither player are likely to move before the summer. And while Liverpool can begin plans in earnest to lure them to Anfield once the season ends, it still leaves Liverpool short in the meantime.

And that situation may soon be exasperated amid claims a Premier League side are plotting a cheeky approach for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

To try and see Liverpool through the rest of the season, the Daily Mail claims Klopp is ready for a fresh plunge into the loan market.

Klopp and Co are reportedly assessing the squads of some top European sides to see if there are any openings.

More specifically, the Mail claims that focus is likely centering around three clubs: PSG, Atletico Madrid and Juventus. All three appear ready to offload some of their squad men, and potentially on temporary deals.

And while not naming names, the report claims Liverpool could well secure a temporary addition to bolster their squad before the window shuts.

Addressing his need for reinforcements, Klopp admitted last week they were keeping an eye open. However, he did indicate any move would be unlikely.

“Our squad is not too small. Yes, we have to strengthen. But is this the right moment to do it? I can’t see it because of the situation we are in. And I think I know exactly how the situation is,” he said.

Liverpool ready to offload Nat Phillips

One man who looks unlikely to see it through the window on Liverpool’s books is popular defender Nat Phillips.

The centre-half has slipped down to fifth choice in the Anfield pecking order. As such, he has found game time hard to come by. Indeed, Phillips has featured in just five games this season, with just two of those as starts.

Liverpool did allow Phillips to leave on loan this time last year, following a plea from the defender. Having stepped in admirably during Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez’s absences in the 2020/21 season, he was unceremoniously cast aside upon their returns.

As such, he made a temporary move to Bournemouth, whom he helped secure promotion last season. The Cherries were keen to make the move permanent. Klopp, though, could just not bear to part with the trusted defender.

However, the Mail now claims talks over his sale at Anfield are gathering pace this month. And they accept the 25-year-old’s wish to play more regular football elsewhere.

The likes of Bournemouth and West Ham were linked with Phillips last year. Whether they come back in remains to be seen, with Liverpool seeking a fee of around £8m for Phillips.

READ MOREThe 42 midfielders Liverpool have been linked with in the transfer gossip columns: Bellingham, Amrabat…