Liverpool should make a move for a central defender who is open to heading to Merseyside, it has been claimed.
Liverpool ‘have to consider’ making a move for Josko Gvardiol as the RB Leipzig star has already admitted he is keen to secure a switch to Anfield, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
Cody Gakpo proved to be the Reds’ only signing of the January window, for a fee of £44million, but boss Jurgen Klopp will be handed another opportunity to strengthen his squad in the summer.
Liverpool transfer news – Josko Gvardiol
According to Football Transfers, Gvardiol is at the top of a four-man shortlist of defensive targets put together by Liverpool ahead of next season.
The report suggests the Croatia international has also gained interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United, while Leipzig are unwilling to do business unless the £98million release clause written into his contract is triggered.
Chelsea are providing additional competition for Gvardiol’s services as transfer guru Fabrizio Romano previously told GiveMeSport that the west Londoners were working on a deal ahead of the January window.
But Liverpool have secured a boost in their pursuit as the centre-back has already revealed that it would be a dream move after following the club as a child.
Leipzig are in a strong negotiating position as Gvardiol’s contract, which is worth £59,000-per-week, still has just shy of four-and-a-half years to run.
What has Dean Jones said about Gvardiol?
Jones believes Liverpool should swoop for Gvardiol if they feel he is the man to bolster what has become a problematic position.
The respected journalist also feels the 21-year-old’s stance over a potential move to Merseyside will make him an even more attractive option for Klopp.
Jones told GiveMeSport: “I think Liverpool need to be sure that if there is a player like this out there that really could be a long-term fix for them, then they have to consider it.
“Especially if he actually wants to play for them, you can’t overlook a moment like that.”
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Would Gvardiol be a good signing for Liverpool?
There is no doubt that Gvardiol made a lasting impression at the World Cup, with Sofascore statistics showing he averaged 5.3 clearances, 1.6 interceptions and 1.3 tackles in Qatar.
He was even dubbed a ‘gladiator’ by Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor as Croatia finished third in the tournament.
Gvardiol also played a pivotal role in Leipzig keeping a clean sheet during a goalless draw with Koln earlier this month, with centre-back partner Willi Orban being the only teammate to be handed a better match rating by WhoScored.
The former Dinamo Zagreb man has already made more than 120 appearances during the early stages of his senior club career, highlighting that he has wasted no time in breaking into the first-team picture.
Only three sides in the Premier League’s top 10 have conceded more goals than Liverpool this season, so Gvardiol could be the perfect summer acquisition.
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