Liverpool are reportedly still interested in West Ham United star Manuel Lanzini and are eyeing a summer move for the Argentine international.

According to The Mirror, Manuel Lanzini is still a target for Liverpool, with the Reds likely to launch an attempt to sign the Argentine in the summer. Jurgen Klopp is eyeing Lanzini as a replacement for the already departed Philippe Coutinho, who joined Barcelona in January.

Since Coutinho’s January departure, Liverpool have shown no signs of wanting a replacement for the Brazilian, with the Reds’ trio – Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah – running rampant in attack. But, the fact remains that the Brazilian’s departure is yet to mitigated by an arrival.

Manuel Lanzini had been long seen as the replacement for Coutinho but a January move failed to materialise. The Argentine though, has been one of the catalysts, along with Marko Arnautovic, in leading West Ham to safety under the tutelage of David Moyes.

While the tally of 5 goals and 7 assists is modest and Lanzini’s performance chart shows that he has contributed on rare occasions, but it is also evident that whenever he does, he is an unstoppable force – case in point being the braces against Everton and Huddersfield along with 3 assists in the 3-0 win over Stoke City.

There is a general consensus that Lanzini deserves a better squad around him and should that happen, we could see him contribute on a more consistent basis.

Liverpool’s interest in Lanzini is long-established. And with the managerial uncertainty at West Ham, Lanzini could be looking to move, especially with Liverpool being able to offer Champions League football.

One case that might see Lanzini reject the overtures of Liverpool would be the lack of room in the starting lineup. The front three is all but fixed while new arrival Naby Keita should slot into the midfield. One of the two remaining spots will be reserved for a midfield enforcer, which leaves just one position – one that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would feel he warrants after his recent displays.

Set to bid adieu to the London Stadium? (Picture Courtesy - AFP/Getty Images)
Set to bid adieu to the London Stadium? (Picture Courtesy – AFP/Getty Images)

With 2 years left on his West Ham deal, Lanzini would not cost an exorbitant fee like the other targets – Liverpool are also interested in Nabil Fekir.

This looks like a deal that could very well be completed, provided Jurgen Klopp does assure Lanzini and his camp of a regular place within the first-team setup.

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