£51m midfielder linked with Liverpool is ‘like a young Javier Mascherano’

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool are likely to be busy on the transfer front in the next few weeks as Arne Slot looks to strengthen his ranks.

The Reds are yet to make a signing this summer, with the new Anfield boss seemingly choosing to assess his squad first.

However, in recent days, speculation has intensified between Liverpool and Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

On Wednesday, Fabrizio Romano claimed that the Reds are exploring a move to sign Zubimendi from the Liga club, with talks in the pipeline.

However, Zubimendi is not the only midfielder who Liverpool have been linked with.

Now, a player who has reportedly been offered to the Reds has been likened to Anfield cult hero Javier Mascherano.

READ MORE: Paul Joyce says Liverpool’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi has just taken another big twist

Liverpool-linked Manuel Ugarte likened to Javier Mascherano

The player in question is Manuel Ugarte, whose Paris Saint-Germain future is uncertain amid speculation linking him with a move away.

In June, it was reported that Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea were contacted about Ugarte’s availability.

The Red Devils pushed for the Uruguayan’s signature, but they’re said to have cooled their interest because PSG are holding firm on their €60million (£51million) valuation, as per The Athletic.

This could let the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea back in the fold.

And if any of them go for him, they’d be getting a player rated very highly by South American football expert Tim Vickery.

“He reminds me a lot of a young Javier Mascherano,” he told Transfer Talk on Sky Sports News.

“I don’t think he’s quite as good but he’s that type of player. I like him very much and I like him for United very much.”

Liverpool looking for new defensive midfielder

As a team, Liverpool need to protect their back four and goalkeeper better, so there’s a good chance a new defensive midfielder could be on the cards.

Wataru Endo did well enough at No. 6, but for much of last season, Alexis Mac Allister was used in that position, which felt like a waste of his outstanding attacking talent.

Ugarte could be a leftfield option for Liverpool, but it looks as though they are focusing their efforts on Zubimendi.

However, with three weeks left before deadline day, anything can happen, and transfer leads can emerge – or indeed re-emerge – out of nowhere.