Liverpool are reportedly ‘very interested’ in signing Renato Sanches this summer.
The Reds were linked with a move for the Lille midfielder earlier in 2021.
But L’Equipe claimed last week that the Portugal international is still very much on Liverpool’s radar.
Jurgen Klopp may need another midfielder this summer after the release of Gini Wijnaldum, who has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
And although Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Liverpool’s interest in the player, he claims that nothing is close to being finalised at Anfield.
He told Anfield Watch: “From what I know, it [Sanches to Liverpool] is not a done deal. It is not yet at an advanced stage. Because, what I have been told, the strategy for Liverpool now is not going immediately for a midfielder.
“He [Sanches] has always been appreciated [by Liverpool]. But, at the moment, it [the deal] is not advanced yet. So, we need to wait a bit on this deal.”
Risky
If Romano is right, Liverpool may elect against replacing Wijnaldum in what has to be considered a major risk.
Remember, the Dutchman helped the club to a Champions League and Premier League title in 2019 and 2020, playing a huge role in both trophies.
So for Klopp to potentially not sign a tried-and-tested replacement is, well, a gamble.
Lord knows that Klopp already has potential replacements, like Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but, not only are neither anywhere near as reliable in terms of fitness, neither are as impactful as the former Newcastle United midfielder.
Sanches, who shone during Euro 2020 for his country, would be a fantastic addition but it remains to be seen if Liverpool feel the same way.
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