Liverpool transfer news: Liverpool could revisit a deal for Manu Koné with Borussia Mönchengladbach’s asking price now decreasing, while a double transfer swoop is also being targeted.
As Liverpool heads into the final few days of the summer transfer window, Jürgen Klopp will still feel there are gaps within his squad that need addressing.
The arrivals of World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, former Bundesliga star Dominik Szoboszlai and Japan international Wataru Endō are much-needed additions after the departures of James Milner, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, but plenty more work is left to do for FSG and the recruitment team.
Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat continues to be linked with a move to Anfield, while long-term target Ryan Gravenberch is also re-emerging on the growing list of possible moves the Reds could make before September 1. But time is running out for anyone to arrive before the end of the window, with Klopp staring down the barrel of a second consecutive busy summer deadline day.
Aside from the middle of the park, Liverpool will also be desperate to bring in defensive reinforcements with names such as Ecuadorian international Piero Hincapié emerging in recent days. He would have to part ways with former Liverpool ace Xabi Alonso at Bayer 04 Leverkusen if he was to make the switch.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today, with two relatively new names surfacing and a long-term link returning.
Manu Koné (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Liverpool has been long-term admirers of Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Manu Koné, who has recently made a return from injury. A return which could now reignite the Reds’ transfer interest in the player, as they search for further reinforcements in midfield.
Speaking on the situation involving Koné and a possible move to Anfield, journalist Christian Falk provided an update. He said: “There’s Manu Koné to consider. I heard Gladbach is also expecting an offer from Liverpool soon because, after his injury, he’s become cheaper.
“Before a suitor would have to pay about $54m [£43m/€50m], now you can get him, perhaps, for about $38m [£30m/€35m]. So it’s up to Liverpool to make the next move. Bayern and Gladbach will be open to talks. PSG are still interested in Koné, so there could be a big competition for the player if Liverpool firmly enter the race.”
Liverpool.com says: At a cut-price fee, this deal is a no-brainer for Liverpool. The 22-year-old is a bright talent and could be one of the bargains of the summer at this price.
Dávid Hancko and Mats Wieffer (Feyenoord)
Liverpool needs clear reinforcements within its defense following the injury to Ibrahima Konaté, as well as possibly needing further reinforcements ahead of the defense to secure the squad.
According to Football Transfers, Liverpool could look at completing a double transfer swoop for Feyenoord duo Dávid Hancko and Mats Wieffer to solve both of these issues.
Hancko, the Slovakian defender, would solve its lack of depth within the center of defense and can play in multiple positions across the back four.
Wieffer, the promising young Dutch defensive midfielder, gives the midfield added reinforcements and can also learn from the experienced players in the squad such as Thiago Alcãntara and Wataru Endō, given the fact he is only 23 currently.
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool is in desperate need of versatile players such as these two, who can cover any injury problems that may arise throughout the squad. However, the price tag may be more than FSG is willing to part ways with, considering ESPN pundit and former Dutch footballer Hans Kraay Jr. believesHancko alone would be worth in the region of $50m (£40m/€47m).
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