The Reds have been linked with a number of midfielders over the past week and if reports emerging from Germany are to be believed, World Cup winner Mario Gotze could be on his way to Anfield next week in a £20 million deal.
Jurgen Klopp looks set to continue his Anfield revolution with a summer shuffle-up, and Mario Gotze, his former protégé from Borussia Dortmund, is being lined up in what will prove to be a crucial transfer window for the Reds. The Sun understands that a £20 million deal for the Bayern Munich man is set to be completed soon by Liverpool as Klopp looks to snap up his signings as early in the window as possible.
The Liverpool boss believes Gotze will play a big role in taking his Anfield project forward and with the 23-year-old himself privately expressing his interest regarding the move, it only seems to be a matter of time before the Merseysiders see his transfer through from Bavaria. Alternate reports from the Daily Star also claim that the Reds are prepared to make him their highest paid player as they look to ensure their absence from European football next season doesn’t affect prospective signings.
Loris Karius Anfield move imminent following Reds’ £4.7 million agreement with Mainz
Also set to follow suit from the Bundesliga with Gotze is Mainz shot-stopper Loris Karius, with Paul Joyce of the Express suggesting the club have activated the release clause and reached an agreement over a £4.7 million move for the goalkeeper. The 22-year-old youngster has been on fire for Mainz in between the sticks and his signing is expected to give Mignolet some much needed competition for his role as Liverpool’s first choice goalkeeper.
The Mainz No.1 already has 91 Bundesliga appearances under his belt in two years with the first team and could be a valued addition for the Reds in goal. The German has had a spell in England previously, having been a part of the Manchester City youth setup for over two years.
Danny Drinkwater linked with surprise move to Liverpool
Leicester City’s Premier League winning midfielder Danny Drinkwater has been linked with a £14 million move to Anfield with Jurgen Klopp, a big admirer of the England international, keen on having the Foxes’ man in his midfield ranks.
According to the Mirror‘s Steve Bates, Drinkwater could look to leave for a “big-name club” this summer, no doubt to further his international prospects. The former Manchester United youth player has been a key part of Claudio Ranieri’s side’s remarkable title winning exploits this season. Bates also suggests that Liverpool’s inability to provide European football for Drinkwater, who will be in the Champions’ League in 2016/17 if he stays with Leicester, is not expected to come in the way of signing their man.
Martin Skrtel requests Liverpool exit
Slovakian international Martin Skrtel has graced Anfield with his assuring presence in defence for eight years since his arrival in 2008 under the reign of Rafa Benitez. However, a disappointing performance in the 2015/16 season has seen Skrtel fall down the pecking order in Klopp’s starting XI.
With Liverpool heavily linked with many defensive reinforcements in the market in addition to Joel Matip’s arrival from Schalke, the 31-year-old feels it is best for both parties that he brings the curtains down on his Anfield career.
The defender has reportedly made Klopp aware of his intentions regarding the matter, with the German boss ready to oblige the Slovak’s request. Skrtel, who arrived in January 2008 in a £6.5 million move from Zenit St.Petersburg, has featured in 242 league games for the Reds. The defender has been linked with a move to Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas should he decide to leave according to reports from the Telegraph.
Leicester City youngster Ben Chilwell set for Liverpool move
Chilwell has been identified as a priority signing in Jurgen Klopp’s summer revamp and negotiations are expected to start within the next few days. Liverpool are keen to sign the England U21 international ahead of Premier League rivals Arsenal and will have to pay a significant fee for a player seen as one of England’s brightest young talents.
The 19-year-old left-back has only made three appearances for the champions but Leicester have already rejected two offers from Arsenal over the past 12 months. The last offer came in January, believed to be an initial £5 million plus £2 million in add-ons, so Liverpool will have to be prepared to beat that. Chilwell has been offered a new deal worth around £18,000 a week by Leicester but the Midlands side are aware of growing interest and a sale appears inevitable.