Liverpool are reportedly pursuing Basel defender Manuel Akanji.
Manuel Akanji of Switzerland
According to The Independent, Liverpool are interested in signing Basel defender Manuel Akanji as the club eye up alternatives to Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds were expected to sign a centre back over the summer, but then their move for Southampton star Van Dijk collapsed over an ‘illegal approach’, manager Jurgen Klopp decided not to make a move.
Whilst Liverpool have kept eight clean sheets in 18 games this season, they have also conceded 20 goals, with no team in the top seven conceding more than Klopp’s side.
Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United and Manuel Akanji of FC Basel
Another centre back should still be on Klopp’s wish list despite Joe Gomez’s emergence, and The Independent report that Liverpool want to bring in Basel’s Manuel Akanji to boost their options at the back.
Akanji, 20, joined Basel from Winterthur in 2015, and has become a key first-team player for Raphael Wicky’s side, having made 28 appearances for the club in all competitions this season.
Already a Swiss international with four caps to his name, Akanji looks set to feature at the World Cup in Russia next summer, and Liverpool are preparing their move.
However, it’s claimed that Liverpool may have to wait until the end of the season, when they may just risk seeing Akanji star in Russia and attract interest from other clubs.
With The Guardian reporting that Manchester City are plotting a huge deal for Van Dijk, Liverpool now appear to be turning their attention to alternatives – and Akanji is emerging as a major candidate.
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