Liverpool look likely to be beaten to the punch for Ugurcan Cakir after Borussia Dortmund reportedly tabled a big offer to sign the Trabzonspor goalkeeper.
Cakir has been on Liverpool’s radar for a long time. His agent mentioned that the Reds were interested back in May 2019, as they were looking to replace Simon Mignolet as Alisson’s deputy. Ultimately, they signed Adrian instead.
However, the Spaniard’s future is now in doubt and it seems he will be leaving this summer. His contract expires at the end of the season and he is already forming plans to return to his native country.
Liverpool will not be looking for a new first-choice goalkeeper, as it would be almost impossible to dislodge Alisson Becker. However, they need to ensure he has a reliable backup.
Caoimhin Kelleher has played a few times in Alisson’s absence this season. But it seems the club will be searching for someone other than the 22-year-old to fulfil the role.
However, the Reds will have to get their skates on if they’re to land Turkey goalkeeper Cakir. According to Fotospor, Borussia Dortmund are also keen to land the 24-year-old too. Indeed, they claim the Bundesliga giants – often so astute at snapping up the game’s top, young talent – have placed a €20m bid for his services.
Furthermore, they’re also said to have included a 25% sell-on clause as part of their approach.
Whether that tempts Trabzonspor into a sale remains to be seen. However, with the Reds joining Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid in keeping tabs on Cakir, the Turks may be willing to wait to see what other offers come their way.
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Liverpool fancy Sparta Prague striker
The Reds have failed to defend their Premier League crown this season and problems in attack have been a major factor. Mohamed Salah has been the only member of their famed front three to reach his usual goalscoring levels. Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have both endured underwhelming seasons.
Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to be able to spend lavish sums to bolster his strikeforce. However, one name that appears to tick their box is Hlozek.
The teenager has emerged from the Sparta Prague academy to become a first-team regular. Hlozek has scored five goals from 13 appearances in the Czech top flight this season.
Following on from his seven in 34 last season, it is a respectable tally given he missed several months with a broken foot.
Now back in full working order, Hlozek remains a player with huge potential and Liverpool are aware. It is claimed that their scouts have sent back positive reports to the recruitment team.
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