Liverpool are reportedly battling Manchester United and Real Madrid in a bid to sign Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur – a player that Luis Suarez recently described as an “animal”, after Uruguay’s exit from the World Cup.
Bentancur, 25, is in the form of his life since moving to Spurs from Juventus in January. Since then, he has clocked up 39 appearances for the North London club – and impressed for his country in Qatar. But, Uruguay were poor.
Indeed, Bentancur could not prevent his country from being knocked out in the group stages. Portugal and South Korea progressed, with both falling in the next two rounds. Bentancur will be resting, preparing for a Spurs return.
He is likely to start for Spurs when they take on Brentford on Boxing Day. But, it might be that he becomes the subject of offers in January. El Crack Deportivo report that Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid all want Bentancur.
It comes after praise from Liverpool icon Suarez. Having combined at the World Cup, Suarez commented on the midfielder’s latest Instagram – telling Bentancur he was “proud” of his teammate, and describing him as an “animal”.
Liverpool battling to sign Bentancur: Suarez described player as an animal
What a signing it would be for the Reds. Jurgen Klopp needs midfield additions. Not least, because his Reds midfield is beginning to age – Jordan Henderson and Thiago are now in their thirties. But, because there is likely to be some exits.
James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are out of contract at the end of the season. Jude Bellingham is the name being mostly linked with Liverpool – but the Dortmund and England star would cost well north of £100m.
So, Bentancur might be the next best thing. He would not cost as much, even if he is adored at Spurs. Bought for a fee in the region of £20million including add-ons, Liverpool could find themselves a midfield solution for a cheaper price.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
