OPINION
Liverpool have reportedly drawn up a two-man summer shortlist for a new centre-back, but they should rip that up and plot a move to sign Tottenham ace Toby Alderweireld.
The Independent reports that Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles and Burnley’s James Tarkoswki are both being considered by the Merseyside club.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are keen to add an extra option in the heart of defence, but neither Lacelles or Tarkowski are the finished article yet and have to be considered second-rate options at this point.
They both have extremely huge potential and are coming off the back of extremely positive seasons, but are unlikely to force their way into the starting XI at Anfield next year.
The Reds need someone who can instantly make an impact and that is why they must hijack Manchester United’s pursuit of Alderweireld.
The Manchester Evening News reports that United are trying to negotiate a £55million deal for the 29-year-old, who Jose Mourinho wants to reshape his backline.
It is understood that Spurs are “resigned” to losing the Belgium international and are intending to sell him this summer.
Liverpool should go all out to try bring Alderweireld to the club and his £55million price tag seems a brilliant one, especially when the £75million deal for Virgil van Dijk has worked wonders since he joined the club in January.
Alderweireld has arguably been the most consistent defenders in the Premier League in the last few years and he could help Liverpool reach another level next season.
He is in the peak years of his career and the ball-playing centre-back would be an epic partner alongside Van Dijk in defence, one strong enough to help build a Premier League title challenge next year.
