Liverpool set to battle Man United, Chelsea for the signature of world cup star

Liverpool set to battle Man United, Chelsea for the signature of world cup star

This winter, Liverpool’s primary transfer need is to strengthen their ageing and underwhelming midfield. They are considering a number of top athletes, such as Jude Bellingham, Enzo Fernandez, and Sofyan Amrabat.

Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool have spoken about Bellingham. And as a boost for the Reds, the 19-year-old would prefer to join them over Real Madrid or Manchester United.

But just in case they miss out on Bellingham, Jurgen Klopp’s team needs a backup plan. Herein lies Fernandez’s influence.

He has been outstanding during Argentina’s World Cup run and is expected to start against France in the final match.

Liverpool recently began talks with Benfica about Fernandez’s prospective move. And reports emerging from Portugal even claim there is a pre-contract agreement in place between the player and Liverpool.

Third on their list of midfield targets is Amrabat. He would be the rather understated option, as he currently represents Fiorentina and is only valued at €10million (£8.7m) by transfermarkt.

Liverpool could also do with adding to Klopp’s center-back ranks.

Ibrahima Konate looks set to replace Virgil van Dijk when the 31-year-old leaves Liverpool or retires. But Liverpool must find a successor to Joel Matip, as he is 31 too and entering the twilight years of his career.

Josko Gvardiol, a rising World Cup star, steps up in this situation. He was a pillar of strength for Croatia’s defence as they progressed to the tournament’s semifinals before falling to Argentina 3-0.

In that game, Lionel Messi made a fantastic run that turned Gvardiol inside out. The RB Leipzig star has, however, otherwise been tremendously impressive. And it’s difficult to blame him for having trouble with Messi, given how much trouble the superstar has been giving other defenders for so long.

Josko Gvardiol has been linked to a number of Premier League clubs (Getty Images)

According to transfer reporter Rudy Galetti, Liverpool have shown ‘the greatest interest’ in landing Gvardiol.

Man Utd recently stepped up their attempts to sign him from Leipzig. Chelsea, meanwhile, are being tipped to launch a massive January move for the 20-year-old

Galetti, though, thinks Liverpool is making the most effort to close a deal with Leipzig. This opens the door for Liverpool to sign Gvardiol in a significant deal that has the potential to create a new record for defender transfers.

A £44 million release clause was previously present in Gvardiol’s Leipzig contract. But when he reached new terms with the Bundesliga team in September, that was removed.

Due to his exceptional performances at Leipzig and brilliant World Cup, it will now take a colossal fee for Liverpool, Man Utd or Chelsea to bring him in.

Whoever ends up signing Gvardiol, they will be getting a top defender with the potential to be world-class. He is very hard to get past and also possesses great ball-playing abilities. Plus, he can play as a left-back or centre-half.

In other news, “You will love him at Liverpool” – Liverpool backed to sign Chelsea star in January following Diaz and Jota injuries