Kevin Stewart could have been important for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool – but now he may find himself the subject of interest from Aston VIlla and West Brom.
Just three months ago, Liverpool were not willing to even consider letting Kevin Stewart leave. According to the Daily Mirror, the combative midfielder was viewed as a vital part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad despite his lack of opportunities in the first half of the season.
Flash forward to April, however, and Liverpool’s stance appears to have changed. The Liverpool Echo claim that Stewart is just one of a number of players Klopp is willing to sell as he aims to trim the fat from his bloated squad in the summer.
And, despite featuring in just 18 minutes of Premier League action in a difficult second season under the German at Anfield, there will be no shortage of suitors for Stewart in the summer.
The Daily Mail claimed in January that five clubs from the top two tiers had made inquiries to take the former Tottenham Hotspur youngster on loan – and it is possible we could see a Midlands scrap once the transfer window opens.
Aston Villa and West Brom were reportedly two of the sides tracking Stewart’s progress. And, although they reinforced their midfield options with January additions a la Henri Lansbury and Conor for the former and Jake Livermore for the latter, it seems unlikely that they would let an opportunity to sign a player of Stewart’s potential pass them by.
After all, Villa manager Steve Bruce claimed last week that his side must improve their composure in possession and Stewart, a reliable if slightly unambitious distributor, could add a degree of control in the centre of the park.
Furthermore, his naturally pragmatic game would allow Lansbury and Hourihane (below), who have scored just one goal between them since January, the opportunity to push forwards.
West Brom, meanwhile, could benefit from benefit from the addition of a midfielder renowned for his passing rather than his ability to break up play – thus, offering Tony Pulis a plan B. And, with Darren Fletcher hitting 33 and out of contract next summer, a long-term replacement must be in the offing.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
