Liverpool transfer news: Reds join auction to sign incredibly-talented Italian teen as Atalanta set minimum price
Jurgen Klopp reportedly wants to see Liverpool enter the race to sign one of Italian football’s brighest prospects, after learning what it will take to prise the star to Anfield from Atalanta.
The Reds boss is ready for what is likely to be a couple of big transfer windows in 2023. The German is prioritising some midfield reinforcements and could make as many as three signings.
With Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ready to leave on frees, there are also suggestions that veteran star James Milner may also depart next summer. The evergreen midfielder turns the ripe old age of 37 in a matter of weeks.
The top target is widely reported to be Jude Bellingham. The Borussia Dortmund teen starred at the World Cup for England, ensuring he is likely to cost a minimum £100m. But a second World Cup star – finalist Enzo Fernandez – is also on their radar. The Benfica man will also cost a sizeable sum.
In addition, Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk suggested a third midfielder – a Premier League playmaker – would also be targeted in a potential £251m triple raid.
However, there remains doubts as to when Liverpool will get their hands on their three top targets.
And there is a fair chance that deals for possibly all of them may have to wait until the summer.
In the meantime, FSG insist it is business as usual despite suggestions they are open to a sale or investment.
And with money promised to Klopp to strengthen his squad, they were recently linked with a move for Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini.
Liverpool interest in Giorgio Scalvini confirmed
Now their interest in signing Scalvini has been confirmed by il Gazzetta dello Sport.
They claim there are six clubs all keen to bring in the 19-year-old, who has made 11 Serie A appearances this season. The talented teen has also underlined his credentials by winning three caps for the senior Italy side. To that end, Roberto Mancini sees him as having a huge future with the Azzurri.
The beauty about Scalvini is that he is not just capable of playing centre-half, with the teenager also adept at playing in midfield too. Liked to Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, it is little surprise to see the Nerazzurri linked with his signature.
However, there are a number of other sides also seemingly in pursuit. And Manchester City, Bayern Munich and now Liverpool make up part of the plethora of clubs eager to land him.
Il Gazzetta claims that Atalanta know they have a gem on their hands. However, with finances tight, they are willing to consider his sale. To that end, they are reportedly seeking a minimum £34.3m (€40m) for Scalvani.
Either way, the paper claims the auction for Scalvini is officially open and it would come as no surprise to see the player changing clubs at some point this year.
Whether Liverpool are willing to spend that though on a relatively-inexperienced defender remains to be seen. Klopp is reportedly an admirer of the player, but may yet decide to prioritise his finances elsewhere.
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