As the end of this season fast approaches, attention is swiftly turning to which players Liverpool will look to target in the upcoming transfer window. A couple of links seemingly show no sign of dying down.

With four midfielders — James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keïta and Arthur Melo — set to depart Anfield in the coming months, it seems inevitable that the Reds will look to bring in reinforcements in this area of the pitch this summer. After an inconsistent season, it is likely that Klopp’s recruitment staff will be keen to add new options in both the ‘number six’ and ‘number eight’ roles in a bid to strengthen the squad.

A number of names have routinely cropped up in recent times, with the likes of Mason Mount and Ryan Gravenberch having been standouts after it emerged that Liverpool would pass on the chance to sign Jude Bellingham. Instead of purchasing the Borussia Dortmund teenager, it is expected that the Reds will bring in multiple reinforcements as opposed to one.

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Whether this approach will prove shrewd or flawed will only become clear next season, but what is clear is that speculation over prospective signings will probably persist until the close of the summer window! Below, we bring you two intriguing stories which have emerged in the past day or so…

Liverpool ‘eye’ cut-price midfield option

As aforementioned, it may be deemed by Klopp and his recruitment staff that Liverpool requires an upgrade at the base of midfield, especially given the mixed fortunes of Fabinho this term. One France international could follow the same path as the Brazilian did back in 2018 and swap Monaco for Merseyside.

According to the Daily Mail, defensive midfielder Youssouf Fofana could well be an option for the Reds this summer, with his relatively bargain price of $28m (£22m/€25m) unlikely to put off any potential suitors. The 24-year-old has been impressive for the principality side in recent seasons and could also be of interest to free-spending Chelsea during the off-season.

Liverpool.com says: Despite Liverpool’s recent upturn in form, there is probably still a conversation to be had regarding whether Klopp should persist with long-serving Fabinho in the ‘number six’ role. There could well be more dynamic options out there and there should be no room for sentiment this summer.

It would not be a major surprise to see Klopp determine that the Brazilian’s race is run at Anfield. With this in mind, a move for Fofana would make a lot of sense, given his experience and quality.

Liverpool target ‘exit clause’ emerges

Rumors linking Brighton & Hove Albion’s Alexis Mac Allister with Liverpool have shown no signs of going away recently, and it seems pretty likely that the World Cup-winning midfielder will depart the Amex in the coming months. It seems even more probable that the Argentine will depart the south coast after the emergence of one key detail in his current contract.

Mac Allister signed a new deal with Brighton prior to the World Cup last winter, but suitors including Liverpool and Manchester United will be boosted by a clause that could allow the star to ‘choose his next club’, according to The Athletic. The Seagulls have let the likes of Ben White and Marc Cucurella leave in recent years, and the 24-year-old may become the latest to depart this summer.

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Liverpool.com says: Mac Allister has shown his quality this year, starring as a key member of Brighton’s squad and, of course, making an often selfless contribution for his country at the World Cup in Qatar. Everything now seems to be pointing towards him making a move to one of the Premier League’s traditional giants this summer as he continues to impress.

It is likely that Brighton sensed that it could be the player’s last season with them, and the contract signed earlier in the campaign may well reflect this. Liverpool must now hope that Mac Allister favors a switch to Anfield.

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