Reporter names huge-name Bundesliga star Liverpool could target if Klopp misses out on Jude Bellingham
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Liverpool have money to spend this year and now a trusted reporter has revealed the identity of a big-name Bundesliga star the Reds could target should they miss out on Jude Bellingham.
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has already devled into the transfer market in January, sealing the signing of Cody Gakpo. The Netherlands attacker signs in a deal that could top £45m, with the player swelling Klopp’s already-inflated attacking options.
However, there is no getting away from Klopp’s main ambition this year – to strengthen Liverpool’s midfield options.
With well-documented doubts emerging over the futures of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it’s little wonder Klopp is on the hunt.
And his No 1 target is widely-publicised as Jude Bellingham. The Borussia Dortmund teenager is likely to command a fee well in excess of £100m. Liverpool are seemingly in the driving seat to seal the transfer, amid claims they are willing to offer him father, Mark, a role at Anfield.
Liverpool lead race for Jude Bellingham
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However, competition for Bellingham remains tough. Manchester United and Manchester City also remain in the hunt for the 19-year-old, while reports on Saturday blew open the prospect of a £240m package to move to another European giant.
Should they miss out on Bellingham, Liverpool do have a number of other targets in mind.
Indeed, a trusted Sky Sports reporter has opened up on the possibility of a move for a £70m-rated Prem star.
However, Bild reporter Christian Falk believes Klopp will look to another Bundesliga star in the event of missing Bellingham.
And instead of strengthening his midfield, Falk reckons Liverpool could turn their focus on Josko Gvardiol.
Falk believes the 19-year-old RB Leipzig star is very much on Klopp’s wish-list.
However, their chances of a deal this summer look remote with Klopp focusing on his midfield.
“It would be good for Liverpool if Josko Gvardiol stays another season,” he told Caught Offside. “They can’t do two transfers like Bellingham and Gvardiol – they’d have to pay about €100m.”
Assessing their chances, he added: “Christopher Nkunku is going to Chelsea this summer, so Leipzig will be losing one player and getting a lot of money in return, which means there’s no need to sell another. There aren’t so many clubs that can pay the fee.
“If Liverpool fail to land Jude Bellingham and have the money free, they’ve shown previously that they’re willing to spend a lot of money on a defender.
“It could work out for Liverpool and it’s worth remembering that Jurgen Klopp is very aware of what’s happening in the Bundesliga, so I think he’d be keen.
“I believe Gvardiol would like to make the next step and will certainly consider his options if there’s an offer on the table. If a Premier League club wants to pay this kind of money in the summer, Leipzig’s position on the matter will change.”
Gvardiol is a player the Reds are keeping tabs on in light of Joel Matip’s situation. The 31-year-old former Cameroon international is out of contract in summer 2024. As such, Gvardiol wil likely come under their radar in 12 months time.
However, Falk believes a move is possible in 2023 should the move for Bellingham fail.
READ MORE: Liverpool resigned to losing stalwart, as ‘growing Premier League interest’ is fuelling ‘dilemma’