Former Liverpool star names ‘decent’ Van Dijk alternative Klopp should consider

James Tarkowski TEAMtalk

Former Liverpool star Chris Kirkland believes that Burnley centre-half James Tarkowski would be a “decent” option for Jurgen Klopp to consider if he wants to sign cover for Virgil van Dijk in January.

The Reds are still said to be considering bringing in another defender after their Dutch talisman was effectively ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.

Joel Matip, Fabinho and youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams have all filled in for Van Dijk so far. However, Klopp may still try to add some more experience in the position while Liverpool are still in so many competitions.

Big names such as David Alaba, Dayot Upamecano and Kalidou Koulibaly have all been linked with an Anfield switch. But Kirkland feels that Clarets ace Tarkowski would be a good option.

The former stopper thinks the 27-year-old may be a useful home-grown addition, telling FootballFanCast, as cited by Goal: “Obviously there was a lot of talk about Tarkowski at Burnley.

“I like him, I think he’s decent. You can’t go, ‘well will he do what Van Dijk does?’ Because that’s impossible, nobody does that.”

Burnley are fully aware that clubs are looking at their star defender. But Sean Dyche has been quick to brush off talk of Tarkowski leaving.

He said: “There are a lot of rumours out there, and not much fact. The most one is the Tarky one. That is just bizarre.

“It’s that time of the season, and everyone is looking for a snippet, but there is a lot of phantom stuff out there.”

 

Despite suggesting that Liverpool look to strengthen their back line, Kirkland also believes that Gomez will be there for years to come.

He added: “Gomez has always been seen and always talked about as Virgil’s ideal partner. Them two playing for the next 10 years for Liverpool is something which I’m sure we will still see when Virgil obviously does come back.”

 

Klopp considering move for Atletico star

Liverpool are considering an approach to Atletico Madrid to sign attacking midfielder Marcos Llorente, according to reports in Spain.

The player is well known to Liverpool fans, having already scored twice at Anfield this year.


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His double came as Atletico came from behind in extra time to seal a dramatic win at Anfield and knock Liverpool out of last season’s Champions League.

Llorente was in and out of Diego Simeone’s side last season. But he appears to have emerged as a key component in their side this time around. He’s played in all seven of their matches so far, with Atleti so far unbeaten in LaLiga.

His form, according to Don Balon, has also caught Liverpool’s attention. The Spanish outlet claims Liverpool are considering a €50m (£45) approach for the midfielder in 2021.

They claim talks have already taken place, with Atletico desperately trying to persuade the player to stay at the Wanda Metropolitano. Read more…