Liverpool are one of two clubs that have agreed on terms with Monaco’s French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Lowdown: Interest from all angles
With interest from some of Europe’s elite, Liverpool’s new sporting director Julian Ward will be looking to quickly snap up the highly-rated midfielder.
Despite reports linking Tchouameni with a switch from Monaco to Merseyside, it is clear that midfield is somewhat of a priority this window for Klopp. The Reds are reportedly also interested in Bellingham and Sangare, should the Tchouameni deal go awry.
With the Ligue 1 season concluded and Monaco only sitting third in a Europa League spot, perhaps the French outfit might have to start preparing for life without their midfield monster.
The Latest: Monaco ready to sell
As per French publication RMC Sport, Tchouameni reportedly had been promised an exit for weeks. However, Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell will demand no less than €80m (£69m).
Had Monaco managed to clinch a Champions League berth, they may have been able to keep hold of their star man.
Both Real Madrid and Liverpool have agreed on terms and will await the players’ decision, but what is certain is that “he will not go to Paris Saint-Germain”.
The Verdict: More depth and competition
Struck with a bout of midfield injuries, this weekend saw the Reds’ quadruple hopes go up in smoke as Manchester City battled back from 2-0 down against Aston Villa to clinch the title.
During the game, Thiago was forced off and is now a doubt for the Champions League final, alongside midfield ace Fabinho. With Henderson being forced to battle for his spot with Keita this season, the introduction of the 6 foot 2 giant could provide suitable competition and added cover for moments such as this.
Labelled “incredibly talented” by former Premier League shot-stopper Paul Robinson, the £36m-rated beast boasts a 7.33 average SofaScore rating for this season, and ranks in the 99th percentile for interceptions per 90 when compared to other midfielders.
This kind of consistency and hard work in the middle of the park could replicate that of club captain Henderson, who nowadays has much poorer defensive stats and even less pass completion percentage per 90 than Tchouameni. Perhaps it could be worth forking out the hefty price tag in favour of another tough-tackling midfielder with an eye for a pass.
