Liverpool’s recruiters are looking for two different profiles as they continue the summer rebuild.
The Reds have already spent £95 million on Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai, while saying farewell to Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
More midfield recruits are likely before the transfer window closes on September 1st, with Romeo Lavia the main target.
So far, the Reds have had two bids for Southampton’s midfield enforcer rejected, with the most recent apparently totaling £41 million with add-ons.
The Saints are sticking to their £50 million estimate, but Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly keeping an eye on the situation.
Liverpool have initiated talks with Fluminense over 22-year-old Andre Trindade, it was reported on Tuesday, while negotiations with Southampton become difficult.
While it was first thought that Andre would be an alternate target to Lavia, their playing styles are considerably different, and Melissa Reddy has since stated that the Reds may still be looking for two more additions, rather than just one.
Dialogue open between Southampton and Liverpool over Romeo Lavia. He wants the move but compromise still needed over the fee. LFC working on other options. They are in talks with Fluminense for Andre. Clear the club are looking at two profiles: controller, progressive destroyer.
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) August 2, 2023
Writing in Twitter, the Sky Sports reporter said that the dialogue with Southampton remains open, while adding “Clear the club are looking at two profiles: controller, progressive destroyer.”
Reddy’s comments suggest then that Andre could be signed in addition to Lavia – with the former profile description more resembling the Brazilian, and the latter Southampton’s Belgian.
Reddy previously stated, “In an ideal situation, two new midfielders and a defender would be added to Jurgen Klopp’s squad before the close of the window.”
Personal terms are said to have already been agreed upon between Liverpool and Lavia, with only a financial compromise standing in the way of a deal.
Meanwhile, Football Transfers claimed last week that Fluminense are seeking €25 million (£21.5 million) for 80% of Andre’s economic rights, but they are unwilling to trade a crucial player before the end of the Brazilian domestic season in December.
Klopp, for his part, has stated that ‘it’s no secret’ that Liverpool are still looking for new players before the conclusion of the transfer season, but has hinted that Curtis Jones can fill in at number six in the absence of new arrivals.
“I think it is no secret that we are still looking for players to join us,” Klopp stated ahead of Wednesday’s match against Bayern.
“One thing is to use what you have, and I believe Curtis [Jones] can absolutely play that position [number six].”
“Can he play it when no one else on the team is defending?” No. No chance, because I don’t know anyone who can play it at that time.”
