Klopp lines up €50m Roma raid with Liverpool star wanted in return

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is thinking about a swoop for Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, with the Italian side keen on Dejan Lovren as part of the deal, according to reports.

Zaniolo joined Roma from Inter two summers ago and slotted straight into the first team, making 36 appearances last season.

However, the 20-year-old suffered a cruciate ligament injury suffered in January which has halted his progress this term.

Nevertheless, reports say Liverpool are keen and that Roma – who have posted over €200million in debt – could sell up.

According to Il Sussidiario, Klopp is ‘observing’ Zaniolo’s situation and believes the Italian could be “important” in his team.

The midfielder is reportedly worth between €50million and €60million, a price Liverpool could meet if they ratify exits from Anfield.

Liverpool are likely to let Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and Pedro Chirivella go in the coming months, but they will leave for free at the end of their contracts.

Therefore, Dejan Lovren – who was linked with Roma in January – is among those who could leave for a fee.

Il Sussidiario says Roma are still keen on Lovren and could use him as part of a deal for Zaniolo.

The 30-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Klopp and is now the German’s fourth-choice centre-back, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip ahead of him in the running.

Matip signed a new deal late last year while this summer could be the last chance to get a fee for Lovren, who has one year left on his contract.

LIVERPOOL’S BUSY SUMMER?

Timo Werner TEAMtalk

Klopp is reportedly keen to freshen up his options in attack by signing RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.

The two spoke via video call around Easter and reports say the 24-year-old’s exit clause expires on June 15.

Werner has made no secret of his admiration for his fellow German Klopp and his first-choice destination is reportedly Anfield.

In fact, the latest report claims a deal to take the striker to Liverpool is “effectively done”.

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