Newcastle United are set to rival Southampton for the summer transfer of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with Liverpool potentially open to selling the midfielder, per Calciomercato.
The Premier League rivals are monitoring developments at Anfield ahead of the new term. The squads at St James’ Park and St Mary’s do not satisfy Steve Bruce and Ralph Hasenhuttl, who believe Oxlade-Chamberlain has something to offer either outfit.
Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Liverpool from Arsenal for £35m in 2017 but has suffered with frequent injuries since. The 27-year-old missed the start of last season with a knee problem and only started two of his 13 appearances. He also offered just one goal and one assist.
But Jurgen Klopp has praised Oxlade-Chamberlain for stepping in any playing at striker in pre-season, while impressing Liverpool staff this summer. Yet the German may still cut the Reds’ losses and sell the £120,000-per-week dynamo, with two years on his contract.
Newcastle have now joined Southampton in monitoring Oxlade-Chamberlain’s situation at Liverpool in case Klopp does decide to sell. TalkSPORT had already reported the Saints’ interest in the 27-year-old, but Hasenhuttl’s side would prefer a loan deal if possible.
Liverpool would likely prefer to sell and are open to offers for the 35-cap England livewire. Klopp has been working on a strict sell-to-buy policy this summer, per The Athletic. But it has restricted the Reds boss to only making one signing so far in defender Ibrahima Konate.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are yet to make any first-team additions, while Southampton have added two players. Although only one of the Saints’ arrivals is new compared to last season, having retained Theo Walcott after his loan.
Newcastle can sign ‘outstanding’ star in beating Southampton to Oxlade-Chamberlain
Oxlade-Chamberlain may favour a move to Southampton and returning to his boyhood side over joining Newcastle from Liverpool this summer. But Bruce can add a lively and versatile option to his ranks by edging the Saints for the Portsmouth-born star.
The Southampton product can operate across the engine room, on either wing, and has shown glimpses on his false-nine potential. Bruce does not have many at Newcastle who carry possession as well as Oxlade-Chamberlain or make the same dynamic runs.
Klopp has also praised Oxlade-Chamberlain in the past for his ‘outstanding’ contributions, via the Liverpool Echo. As the long-time England international can add life to almost any game once he finds rhythm between injuries.
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