Reds identify PL centre-back trio as targets
Liverpool are currently keeping tabs on three Premier League defenders in Jamaal Lascelles, Harry Maguire and James Tarkowski.
That’s according to the Guardian.
The Reds splashed out £75million - a world-record fee for a centre-back - on Virgil van Dijk back in January and saw obvious rewards with the Dutchman in the back-line.
And now Liverpool want to recruit another defender to add more strength in depth at the back, with English trio Lascelles, Maguire and Tarkowski among their targets.
Newcastle skipper Lascelles has been linked with Chelsea and Tottenham following a terrific campaign for Rafael Benitez’s side, leading them to a solid 10th-placed finish.
The 24-year-old was even touted for a late England call-up for the World Cup, although the U21 international missed out on the squad. He made 33 Premier League appearances, scoring three goals, for the Magpies last term.
One defender who did make the Three Lions squad for Russia was Leicester City’s Maguire, who enjoyed an excellent season for the Foxes after joining from Hull City.
The towering ball-playing 25-year-old, who cost £17m just 12 months ago, started England’s opening game as they won 2-1 against Tunisia in Volgograd and even set up Harry Kane’s winning goal from a corner.
The Guardian say that Liverpool would face competition from Premier League champions Manchester City for Maguire, who would likely demand a huge transfer fee after playing all 38 league games for Leicester last term.
Another alternative who also enjoyed a strong 2017-18 season was Burnley’s Tarkowski, who made the standby list for England’s World Cup selection but pulled out through injury.
Tarkowski, also 25, excelled for Sean Dyche’s Burnley as they reached the second round of Europa League qualifying courtesy of finishing seventh in the English top-flight.
Only injury and suspension prevented Tarkowski from playing in all of Burnley’s league games last year although he still featured in 31 of 38 games and was rewarded with his international debut back in March.
Reports from the Independent last month also linking Lascelles and Tarkowski, suggested that Liverpool simply want to add extra quality at the back.
The Guardian also say that Liverpool are keen on Jack Butland of Stoke City when they resume their search for a new goalkeeper, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Alphonso Areola is also touted as a possibility.
Source: Daily Express
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