Liverpool have been named on a three-team list considering a January swoop for an Atletico Madrid forward. However, a deal could only be made on one condition, claims a report.
The Reds went into the current international break the Premier League’s only unbeaten team. After injury woes ravaged their dismal title defence last season, Jurgen Klopp’s side look like genuine trophy contenders once again this season.
However, Klopp is facing up to the possibility of being without Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in the new year.
Both forwards are due to take part in the 2021 AFCON. After multiple delays, the competition will commence on January 9 and last for around a month.
While the likes of Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi can cover the absences, a spate of injuries would leave Liverpool perilously short of quality options.
As such, Liverpool have begun to draw links with a number of attacking stars since the summer window closed. And according to Caught Offside (citing Spanish outlet Fichajes) the surprise name of Joao Felix has emerged as a contender to bolster the ranks.
On the surface, signing the Portuguese who once cost £113m seems extremely far-fetched. However, the article claims the possibility of loaning Felix out in January is ‘under consideration’ at Atletico.
Still only 21, Felix has yet to hit the heights many had anticipated following his blockbuster move in 2019.
His struggles have ensured that he is no longer assured of a starting spot following Antoine Griezmann’s return from Barcelona. Ex-Reds cult hero Luis Suarez is another Felix has struggled to procure starts ahead of under Diego Simeone.
Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus are also stated to be in the mix. But should Liverpool deem a loan approach viable, they would reportedly insist an option to buy was included.
As Caught Offside put it, Liverpool ‘stand to benefit little from developing another team’s player’.
His age and undoubted potential could tempt Liverpool’s forward-thinking owners. Though even with several factors pointing towards a move being possible, seeing Felix in a red shirt at Anfield still feels an ambitious notion at this stage.
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Meanwhile, Tottenham Director of Football, Fabio Paratici, has left the door ajar for Liverpool or Manchester City to pounce for a deadly striker. That comes after his latest comments ruled Spurs out of the running.
Just five days ago, Fiorentina chief Rocco Commisso confirmed Dusan Vlahovic would be leaving the club in an upcoming window after rejecting the club’s proposals over a new contract.
That prompted renewed links with Tottenham and Man City, but also Liverpool. The Mirror claimed transfer guru Michael Edwards was planning a £77m Vlahovic transfer as his final act on Liverpool’s transfer committee.
Precisely where Vlahovic will end up, only time will tell. But per trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, it won’t be Tottenham.
Romano tweeted a quote from Spurs chief Paratici said during the Festival dello Sport. Paratici said: “Dusan Vlahovic is appreciated by many clubs, it’s normal. He’s not in our plans, for now”.
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