Juventus and Liverpool are once again set to fight it out for the services of AS Roma’s Leandro Paredes
Argentine playmaker Leandro Paredes has long been a subject of interest for Liverpool and Juventus with both the giants tussling in previous transfer windows. And according to Italian sources, the two clubs are known to have let their interest be known this summer as well.
The AS Roma midfielder has been a regular feature in Luciano Spalletti’s starting XI this season, making as many as 40 appearances from the central defensive midfield position and even has 3 goals and an assist to his credit.
While Edin Dzeko’s record breaking goal-scoring heroics are grabbing all the headlines, Paredes’ dirty work in midfield anchoring play in the centre of the park has also been a key facet behind Roma’s fight to secure Champions League football next season.
And that hasn’t missed the eye of Juventus who are finally looking to seal the deal this time around. There are quite a few defensive midfield names that Max Allegri has set his eyes on, one such prominent name being Lyon’s Corentin Tolisso.
Apart from the Italian champions, Premier League campaigners Liverpool are also looking to sign the Argentine with the hope of bolstering the midfield department that has often looked in disarray owing to the lengthy absence of Jordan Henderson.
The England international was a key figure playing his deep role and controlling possession for the side. It was an aspect of his play that Liverpool sorely missed until the return to form of Emre Can. Hence, with Henderson’s return to fitness still unknown and the German international’s future uncertain owing to a contract stand-off, the Reds’ interest in Paredes is understandable.
They have been known to have placed an offer for the 22-year-old in the past only for Roma to have it rejected. The player’s valuation and stock has since only gone up with each transfer window and the Reds will look to secure a deal before the big guns come circling in.
Liverpool desperately need squad depth and with potential Champions League football coming their way next term,it only makes sense for the Reds to go ahead and invest in a player of proven capability like Paredes to bolster Klopp’s matchday options.
The midfielder will definitely be a prized addition to both the teams since he addresses a genuine problem in the centre of the park. Roma will certainly have a decision on their hands and may be hard pressed to do away with Paredes should an offer in excess of £20-30 million present before them.
