Notorious source claims Klopp wants Liverpool to sign €65m star to form ‘insurmountable wall’

Youssef En-Nesyri, Pau Torres

Jurgen Klopp would be interested in signing Pau Torres for Liverpool, according to a fanciful report.

Liverpool have already strengthened their defence this summer with the addition of Ibrahima Konate. Therefore, their need for another centre-back does not seem too great. However, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez may not be available for the first few weeks of the season, despite both being close to a return from injury.

It seems to be a short-term issue, as they shouldn’t miss too many games. But even so, Liverpool are still being linked with some defenders. For example, there have been rumours about interest in Atalanta’s Cristian Romero.

Now, notorious Spanish source Don Balon has claimed that Klopp wants Liverpool to rival Real Madrid for the signing of Torres.

The Villarreal centre-back represented Spain at Euro 2020, a few weeks after winning the Europa League. Villarreal beat Manchester United in the final of that competition, and the runners up have also been tipped to pursue Torres.

However, United’s top target is Raphael Varane of Real Madrid. So, they are unlikely to sign two expensive players in that position.

According to Don Balon, Torres would be an ideal partner for van Dijk at centre-back to form an “insurmountable wall”. It is even claimed that Liverpool have set aside €60m for a potential bid.

Transfer Chatter - Varane set for Man Utd, Chelsea want Chiesa, Isco future in doubt

Transfer Chatter - Varane set for Man Utd, Chelsea want Chiesa, Isco future in doubt

Raphael Varane looks set for Man Utd, Chelsea want Federico Chiesa and Isco's Real Madrid future is in doubt.

Varane’s proposed move to United may in fact accelerate Torres’ situation. Real Madrid would like him as a replacement for the Frenchman, which may be why Liverpool would consider acting now.

Villarreal, for their part, are desperate to keep Torres as they prepare for a campaign that will involve Champions League football. They know he won’t stay forever, but hope to convince him for one more year.

A bid of around €65m may tempt them to change their plans, though. At present, it still seems highly unlikely that Liverpool would make a move this year, but there could always be a surprise.

One defender set to depart

Meanwhile, Liverpool could offload one of the defenders currently among their ranks.

The Reds had to find alternative solutions during the lengthy absences of Van Dijk, Gomez and Joel Matip. It led to opportunities some players would not have expected.

Some of them, though, may now have to look for other solutions as the rearguard becomes more crowded.

One of the backup options has now been tipped to join Sheffield United on loan…

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