Liverpool are reportedly planning to go after Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in response to Fabinho’s forthcoming €47m (£40m) transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Fabinho, 29, has been given the green light to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, which will make the Brazilian their fourth high-profile signing of the summer after Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Jota.
He did not travel to Germany with the first team to complete his medical and finalize the transfer.
With the former AS Monaco star due to leave Anfield in the coming days, Liverpool have started drawing up a contingency plan for his imminent departure.
Jordan Henderson could also leave Liverpool this summer after being the subject of an €816,000 (£750,000) weekly wage offer from Al-Ettifaq, who is coached by Reds legend Steven Gerrard.
If both players eventually leave, Liverpool will have lost five members of their midfield following the free departures of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
As a result, they are aiming for a more defensive presence to replace Fabinho. According to Sky Sports, both Sofyan Amrabat and Ryan Gravenberch are under consideration, with Man City’s Phillips also being considered at Anfield.
The Merseyside side have been linked with a move for Phillips while he was at Leeds United, but Liverpool have rejected the chance to sign him, paving the way for his move to Man City.
However, the England international struggled at the Etihad Stadium last season, making just 12 Premier League appearances all year, making just two from the start.
As a result, he was linked with a move just one year after joining. But their failed pursuit of Declan Rice could mean Phillips is being held up to ensure Rodri stays on the team.
Despite this, Liverpool are reportedly considering making a formal offer to Man City in a bid to lure Phillips to Anfield this summer.
