The names of six players have made the Liverpool shortlist as the Reds look to sign a defensive midfielder before the transfer deadline.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have endured a frustrating week in the transfer market after missing out on deals to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Southampton teenager Romeo Lavia.
Liverpool agreed fees for both players, but the duo have turned down transfers to Anfield and have instead chosen to sign for Chelsea.
The decisions of Caicedo and Lavia leave Liverpool scrambling to sign reinforcements before the deadline, with the club’s opening weekend draw at Chelsea having highlighted the need for additions.
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have created a shortlist of potential signings. Top of the club’s wish-list is Joao Palhinha, who led the Premier League for duels won and tackles during an impressive first season at Fulham.
However, there are reservations over the fee – expected to be north of £60m – for a player who turned 28 last month.
Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure is of interest but would also command a large fee, while moves for Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat and Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips could be revisited after initially being ruled out. Manchester United have also been strongly linked with the former.
Nice’s Khephren Thuram is also named as a potential target, despite Liverpool cooling interest in the France u-21 international earlier in the summer.
