Liverpool have added Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure to their long list of possible midfield options as Jurgen Klopp looks to replace Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.
The 23-year-old impressed last season at Selhurst Park after moving from Lens to the Premier League last summer and according to The Athletic, the Malian international will only be dismissed from Selhurst Park if a significant fee arrives for the player. The report said Palace could look to Southampton’s £50m valuation of Romeo Lavia for guidance, another target for the Reds.
Liverpool look set to lose Fabinho and also Jordan Henderson in the coming weeks and Jurgen Klopp has already seen a long-term successor for the Brazilian international. According to Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy, four names are on the Reds’ transfer list to take over Fabinho’s role in the squad. Sofyan Amrabat, Ryan Gravenberch, Kalvin Phillips and Romeo Lavia are all being considered by Liverpool and now Doucour joins that list.
Liverpool already have Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in their squad ahead of the new season and with another set coming through the door at Anfield before the end of the transfer window, the middle of the park will look very different for the Reds.
The midline was a weakness for Klopp last season and it will definitely be different next season.
More news……
Arthur Melo could help Liverpool find a £25m transfer replacement for Fabinho
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo close to Fiorentina move
Former Liverpool player Arthur Melo is set to join Fiorentina on loan from Juventus.
The Brazilian endured a frustrating temporary spell on Merseyside as he was reduced to just 13 minutes in an appearance in the Champions League loss to Napoli.
He was introduced to Jurgen Klopp’s side when the Reds decided to bring the midfielder from Juventus to Anfield due to injuries. In October, he underwent surgery after sustaining a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three months.
Arthur’s impact on the club was minimal as he returned to Juventus without having once played in the Premier League or at Anfield. In Turin, Juventus struggled with their own problems as they were embroiled in a legal battle that would see them deducted from their quest for European qualification. The sanction would see them knocked out of the Champions League race and settle for the Europa Conference League.
Reports from Italy suggest there could be a number of Massimillano Allegris departures, including Arthur’s name.
Gianluca Di Marzio has indicated that the move is imminent with positive negotiations between the respective Italian clubs.
This move would see part of the Brazilian’s salary taken over by the Turin club. In an article by Fiorentina News, Di Marzio said: “The conclusion of the deal that will bring Arthur Melo to Fiorentina is approaching.
“Positive contacts between the Viola club and Juventus to reach an agreement on the cost of the loan, the price of the transfer fee and the Juventus club’s contribution to the player’s salary”.
Liverpool now face an unexpected midfield overhaul after Saudi Arabian clubs Al Ittihad and Al Ettifaq have expressed interest in Fabinho and Jordan Henderson respectively.
The potential loss of the Brazilian worries Jurgen Klopp who currently has no alternatives for the defensive midfielder.
Numerous alternatives have been suggested to replace Fabinho, including Florentino Luis, Joao Palhinha and Sofyan Amrabat.
The latest twist on the latter’s ties to Liverpool has suggested Manchester United could push for a move from the 26-year-old if they sell three players, according to the Mail Online. They claim Liverpool have not committed to Amrabat and United could sign him for around £25million.
Fiorentina’s move to Arthur raises questions over whether Viola will provide cover if their sought-after midfielder signs before the September deadline.
For Liverpool, Arthur could play a vital role and make one of his best contributions to the club if his move to Florence paves the way for a possible transfer from Anfield to Amrabat.
