Liverpool balance sheet boost, as Sheff Utd up the ante for Brewster

Matthew Briggs 18 Sep 2020 10:27 AM

Sheffield United have reportedly upped the ante and submitted a loan-to-buy offer for Rhian Brewster as they look at strengthening their squad.

Football Insider reports that Chris Wilder’s side have “tabled a formal bid” for the 20-year-old striker “after being given encouragement over a deal”.

The Blades have proposed an an initial loan that becomes permanent at the end of the season in a bid to tempt Liverpool into a sale before the end of the transfer window next month.

Liverpool are mulling over the offer for Brewster, who is also is also interesting Aston Villa, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Burnley.

The champions are thought to want close to £20m for the forward, who spent last season on loan in the Championship with Swansea.

Wilder’s side are at the head of the queue for the player, and a loan with an obligation to buy might well be the deal that tempts Jurgen Klopp into selling.

Wilder said this week: “We have made enquiries about a few strikers and most on loan. Rhian is one we have talked about and spoken to Liverpool about.

“We need to bring another one in. We have looked at the situation of losing Lys [Mousset] as well for a little while and we need to find that quality from within and to add as well would make us stronger and a more complete group.

“As you understand it’s difficult to source and we are not in a situation to do what two or three other clubs have done or people might expect us to do.”

Liverpool to cash in

Liverpool are close to sealing a transfer for Thiago Alcantara with the Bayern man flying in to sign a four-year deal on Friday.

But Klopp is also interested in Watford attacker Ismaila Sarr and he may well have to sell some of his fringe stars before spending £40m on the winger.

Liverpool’s interest in Sarr has been present “for some time” and the Hornets will not stand in his way if their valuation of around £40m is met.

Thiago’s deal will cost the champions £20m initially, with a further £5m dependent on Premier League and Champions League clauses.

Marko Grujic and Harry Wilson could also be offloaded to fund a move for Sarr, but Brewster’s deal is the most likely to be wrapped up and the most valuable.

Rhian Brewster