Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Gary Medel from Inter Milan as the Reds look to bolster their options in midfield.
Liverpool have been feverishly linked with a number of midfielders this summer with Gary Medel the latest member to join the list. The Inter Milan midfielder’s performances with Chile have reportedly caught the eye of Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp. The German fancied Medel’s work ethic and believes that his qualities and strengths will fit in well with the philosophy he is trying to incorporate at Liverpool. With Lucas’ departure looking increasingly likely, Medel could be an upgrade on the Brazilian providing options in midfield as well as defence.
The Reds are faced with an injury crisis even before their season has gotten underway with Joe Gomez and Mamadou Sakho falling prey to an Achilles injury and has possibly ruled the duo out of Liverpool’s pre-season and their league opener against Arsenal. In light of their recent casualties at the back, Klopp has quickly ventured into the market in search of back-up options to his first choice defenders and are close to sealing a deal for FC Augsburg’s Ragnar Klavan. The Estonian centre-back is understood to be on his way to Merseyside to complete his medical before being unveiled.
Hence, given Liverpool’s interest in bringing in offensive as well as defensive reinforcements, Medel’s versatility could prove to be handy for Klopp. Lanacion reports that negotiations have already begun between the two clubs and news of Medel’s future could be revealed in a few days.
The Spanish media outlet also claims Liverpool could be prepared to pay up to £12 million in order to sign the Chilean international. A tenuous rumour at the moment, but one that could develop in the coming days. Medel would certainly add a winning mentality and tenacity to the Liverpool squad.
Joel Matip injury boost for Liverpool
Initial reports regarding new signing Joel Matip’s scan revealed that there was ‘nothing serious’ regarding the knock he picked up during Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Wigan at the DW Stadium on Sunday. A potential injury left fans concerned as the defender threatened to join the Reds’ injury list when he suffered a niggle on his ankle. However, it is unclear if Matip will be able to play a role in Liverpool’s trip to Huddersfield Town on Wednesday.
The Cameroon international has featured in all of the friendlies thus far and due to injuries suffered by Sakho and Gomez, the pressure was on the 24-year-old to deliver in his role as a centre-back through what looks to be a tough start to Liverpool’s Premier League season. However, this injury has instilled further drive into the Reds’ search for a centre-back this summer with Ragnar Klavan close to completing his switch from Augsburg to Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp could have ill-afforded another setback following injuries to Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez, both of which will see them miss the start of the season. The German boss was hopeful following the win over Wigan that Matip’s injury would not prove too serious, after the 24-year-old complained about pain in his ankle. Matip has reportedly been carrying this injury since his arrival at Merseyside and that it wasn’t a repercussion of the intensive training regime Klopp had laid out.
