Liverpool are turning their attention to a highly rated midfielder who is available for a fraction of what Moises Caicedo would have cost
Liverpool could benefit from a cut-price buyout clause as they seek to bolster their midfield with a phenomenal defensive midfielder.
It was a grueling few days for the Reds, who looked to have taken Mosies Caicedo past Chelsea, but the Blues eventually beat their rivals. Caicedo is believed to be set to become a UK transfer record at around £115million.
Klopp couldn’t resist a dig at Chelsea after the two drew 1-1 on the Premier League opener – but the Liverpool manager could still find a coveted No.6 to bolster his midfield anyway.
According to ESPN NL, Liverpool are interested in PSV star Ibrahim Sangare, who has been impressing since joining the Eredivisie. The former Manchester City star’s brother Kiki Musampa is now representing Sangare – Musampa having recently admitted interest from the Merseysiders.
Both Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are said to be interested in Sangare – but if Klopp personally agrees with the Ivory Coast midfielder, he could be significantly cheaper than Caicedo.
With the arrival of Cody Gakpo from PSV in the previous January transfer window, the Reds already have a star who knows Sangare so well. The 25-year-old can play as the sole defensive midfielder or up front in a 4-3-3 formation and would provide much-needed protection to the back four.
Liverpool have reportedly offered over £100million for Caicedo, meaning signing Sangare would allow them to buy another player or two before the transfer window starts.
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Romano discloses Liverpool phone call regarding £50 million deal on Friday after Reds fail “secret job”
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool called Southampton on Friday about a possible transfer of Romeo Lavia after Chelsea made a new offer.
Jurgen Klopp confirmed in his press conference on Friday that Liverpool had made a move for Moises Caicedo with reports that a bid of around £110m had been accepted.
However, it was later revealed that the Ecuadorian international had told the Reds that he “just wants to go to Chelsea this summer”, with the Blues themselves making a new offer.
Liverpool have also been battling with Chelsea over Southampton midfielder Lavia – valued at £50m – as they seek at least one replacement for Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who both moved to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai came on earlier this summer to cover defeats to Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner, with the trio leaving on a free transfer. Liverpool have made several offers for Belgium international Lavia at Southampton but have so far been unsuccessful and risk losing to Chelsea for him too.
And transfer guru Romano has revealed Liverpool are still interested in signing Lavia. A call was made to the Saints last night, although Southampton’s asking price has yet to be met.
Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Friday’s story du jour was Harry Kane v Bayern but the Moises Caicedo saga was straightforward, if not crazier.” As of this writing, Chelsea are currently in contact with Brighton to reapply for Caicedo.
“So let’s wait and see that move because it’s crucial. Caicedo wants to go to Chelsea, he said directly to Liverpool at lunchtime on Friday very clearly, when it seemed that everything was ready to enter Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
“That’s why Chelsea are now working on a club-to-club deal after weeks of negotiations. I think Chelsea were confident they would be the only ones working on this deal, but Liverpool’s ‘secret work’ has been excellent. In the end it is always the player’s preference that makes the difference.
Chelsea also sent Southampton a fresh offer for Romeo Lavia on Friday night, but once again we wait for Caicedo before we see the end of Lavia’s story, as Liverpool also called Southampton up for the 19-year-old on Friday afternoon. “Chelsea see Lavia as a separate deal from Caicedo, but Liverpool have been there all day as well. Southampton won’t sell Lavia for less than £50m, they knew that.
