Liverpool talks ‘advance’ over defender deal after formulating decisive offer
Liverpool are in negotiations with Ajax about signing defender Perr Schuurs after coming up with a tempting bid, according to a report.
The Reds are facing a shortage of options at the back following injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. Joel Matip is the club’s only senior player there, with midfielder Fabinho filling in.
And despite boss Jurgen Klopp backing Matip to go on an injury-free run, the centre-back’s record suggests that he will struggle.
As such, several reports have claimed that Schuurs is a target for the Anfield club. The 21-year-old has stepped up following the departure of Matthijs de Ligt – and done so to great effect.
Schuurs resembles now-Juventus star De Ligt with his strong presence at the back. Indeed, he showed great promise when playing against Liverpool in the Champions League in October.
According to Corrierre dello Sport, Liverpool ‘insist’ on signing the Dutchman to bolster their ranks. What’s more, the Reds have come up with an offer of around €30million (£26million).
Previous reports have indicated that that is the price Ajax are looking for if they are to sell up.
Schuurs has reportedly become a priority addition for Liverpool, with the club looking to sign him in January.
Klopp spoke about the potential of new additions in the winter window earlier this month. However, he said that, as yet, he has no idea about his plans.
“If we can do something in January I have no idea. If we want to do something in January I have no idea. We’ll just have to see,” the manager said.
“That we look for solutions and the transfer market – that is clear – but in the moment we have the situation we have.
“I don’t want to compare situations but when I came to Dortmund in 2008 my two centre-halves were 19 and turned 20 that winter and we played with them for that entire time. Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic.”
Pundit gives Liverpool dressing room insight
Meanwhile, Michael Owen has said that there will be no negativity inside Liverpool’s dressing room after the defeat to Atalanta.
The Serie A side got revenge for Liverpool’s 5-0 win in Bergamo earlier this month by winning 2-0 at Anfield on Wednesday.
But while Klopp’s men were passive throughout, Owen insists that all the focus will be on Saturday’s trip to Brighton.
