Liverpool forced Portuguese club into big meeting with bid for third defensive target
Liverpool forced Braga chiefs into a meeting with head coach Carlos Carvalhal after submitting a bid for David Carmo, according to a report.
Jurgen Klopp‘s men ended a busy deadline day by bringing in two new defenders.
Ex-Preston man Ben Davies and Schalke’s Ozan Kabak have arrived to offer much-needed support at the back.
However, uncertainty remained for much of the day over whether Liverpool would land Kabak. Indeed, the deal hinged on the Bundesliga club bringing in Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi as a replacement first.
As such, reports throughout Monday linked Liverpool with further targets, including Carmo.
According to O Jogo (via Sport Witness), the Reds in fact submitted a firm bid for the 21-year-old on Monday.
What’s more, the bid amounted to a ‘considerable’ fee, making Braga president Antonio Salvador consult manager Carvalhal about the prospect of the player leaving.
However, Carvalhal rejected the proposal, insisting that the player remains on his current contract.
Carmo has played 18 games in all competitions this season, including 10 of Braga’s 16 Liga NOS games.
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But the club’s rejection did not halt Liverpool’s progress.
After sealing the crucial details of Davies’ transfer on Sunday, Mustafi’s move to Schalke allowed Kabak’s departure to Anfield to go through.
The 20-year-old underwent a medical on Monday afternoon in Germany before signing with the Reds.
Klopp welcomed him into the Reds’ ranks, insisting that he is a big talent with a big personality. However, it remains unclear what sort of role he and Davies will entertain.
Indeed, Fabinho should prove his fitness for Sunday’s clash with Manchester City. Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson and Nathaniel Phillips have performed admirably.
Redknapp makes Minamino prediction
Meanwhile, Liverpool also worked on exits during deadline day.
Takumi Minamino was the marquee departure, joining Southampton on loan until the end of the season.
The Japan international’s exit comes after a struggle for game time in the last month, something which Harry Redknapp believes is a sign of Klopp’s trust in the player.