Liverpool battling Leeds for ‘awesome’ midfielder who can replace Klopp favourite FSG are stalling on
Liverpool are muscling in on a Leeds Utd pursuit of a thriving midfielder who could become Jurgen Klopp’s new version of James Milner, per reports.
Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Tuesday night was another reminder – if indeed one was even needed – that major surgery is required this summer.
The Blues would’ve cruised to victory had Todd Boehly invested a small portion of his £500m+ outlay over the last two windows on a competent striker. Kai Havertz did what Kai Havertz does when in front of goal – flatter to deceive.
For the Reds, a much-changed eleven did at least compete, though the stalemate ensures their chances of sneaking into the top four suffered yet another blow.
The upcoming summer will be a crucial one for Klopp. The German has admitted big business must be done, not least because so many of his current crop will depart.
Midfield will take centre-stage with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (free agency) and Arthur Melo (loan expiry) all departing. Joining them could be vice-captain James Milner if FSG don’t heed Klopp’s calls for a 12-month extension.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed Liverpool’s decision-makers are yet to even open discussions with Milner over a new deal. The 37-year-old is out of contract at season’s end and Klopp does not want to lose his trusted lieutenant just yet.
Milner has become something of a Swiss army knife in recent years, with the veteran capable of putting out fires and slotting into all manner of positions when required.
He’s operated at right-back, left-back, holding midfield and either side of the middle three when asked. If leaving, Klopp will require a new Mr. Versatile.
According to the Daily Mail, the Reds may have found that man, though he’s more attack-minded and is also a long-term target of Leeds Utd.
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Birmingham City’s impressive George Hall is the player in question, with the 18-year-old recently labelled “awesome” by his manager John Eustace.
Hall was the stand-out performer in his 10th Championship start of the season during the 1-0 victory over Blackburn on Saturday. That followed a week in which he scored and assisted during the England Under-19s 2-0 victory over Turkey U19s a week last Tuesday.
“George Hall was awesome,” Eustace said of his midfielder’s display against Blackburn (via MSN)
He later added: “I went and watched Hall play for England on Tuesday and he was the stand-out performer.”
Hall played in no fewer than three different positions while away with the Young Lions. He counts holding midfield, either side of a three, No 10 or false nine among the positions he can play.
The Mail acknowledge Hall is a ‘long-term’ target of Leeds, though if Liverpool act on their interest, a move to Anfield would be difficult to ignore.
To that end, both clubs reportedly sent scouts to watch Birmingham’s clash with Blackburn last Saturday. Given his fine display, it stands to reason they liked what they saw.
Hall is out of contract in the summer of 2024, meaning an exit this summer would make sense for Birmingham.