Liverpool boss Klopp has three options to repeat Milner transfer masterstroke

Liverpool V Brentford: Pictures

James Milner is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season in search of a new challenge with Brighton, as Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are preparing for a midfield overhaul in the summer. Milner is set to be joined out of the Anfield door by Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo after eight stellar years at the club having joined on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2015.

Milner had been a mainstay in the Liverpool team during his first few years at the club and a key cog in Klopp’s pressing machine, as he was made Jordan Henderson’s vice-captain and proved to be an influential figure not just on the pitch but also behind the scenes.

Signing the 37-year-old on a free transfer has proven to be one of the club’s shrewdest acquisitions and something they will hope to repeat this summer. Here, Express Sport looks at three soon-to-be free agents that Liverpool may target – similar to their signing of Milner eight years ago.

JUST IN
Liverpool have already confirmed five exits with another five set to come[TRANSFERS]

Youri Tielemans

Leicester star Youri Tielemans has been linked with a host of top Premier League clubs over the years with big-money moves but is set to depart the King Power Stadium on a free transfer at the end of the season. The Foxes have been unable to tie the Belgian down to a new contract and are resigned to losing the 26-year-old.

Tielemans could move to Anfield and though he does not provide the same tenacity that Milner did during his time at Liverpool, the Leicester man has a guile that could help unlock teams and with Trent Alexander-Arnold inverting alongside Fabinho to provide greater stability, the pair may provide the perfect platform for Tielemans to thrive.

Don’t miss…
Liverpool target Ryan Gravenberch ‘to force’ Bayern exit with bid on the table[LATEST]
Liverpool receive clarification on Rolls Royce transfer target as Inter beat AC[REPORT]
Liverpool press ahead with Alexis Mac Allister deal as contract offer assessed[TRANSFERS]

Adrien Rabiot

Adrien Rabiot has continuously been linked to the Premier League for the majority of his career, but now that the Juventus man’s contract is winding down there may be a greater appetite to land the Frenchman. Particularly with his national team, Rabiot has proven to be a hard-working player that Klopp has typically preferred during his time at the club.

He may have also given Liverpool the green light for a potential deal, having told Tuttosport: “I liked Liverpool so much because I was a fan of Steven Gerrard who made me dream and therefore I followed the Reds. At the moment, there’s no news [on contract situation with Juventus], but we’ll certainly talk soon.

“Because in about two months the season will be over and we’ll try to discuss it, but I’m calm. There is the possibility of leaving but also the possibility of signing another contract with Juve.”

N’Golo Kante

Chelsea would certainly love to tie down N’Golo Kante to a new contract, but if terms cannot be agreed upon then Liverpool may be one of the teams to pounce and land the 32-year-old on a free transfer this summer.

His injury record in recent years will be a concern for Klopp, but no midfielder would be better suited than Kante under the German as his ability to win the ball back and lead the press would appeal to Klopp – Kante on a free transfer could certainly be a transformative signing and potentially have a similar influence to Milner.

Source: Read Full Article