Report: Liverpool move for Mathieu Goncalves not imminent

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Liverpool have decided against a January move for versatile defender Mathieu Goncalves.

L’Equipe reports that the Reds want to wait and see how the 18-year-old develops playing a full season at senior level.

The defender has played five games for Toulouse this season and is still extremely raw. Goncalves has featured at centre-back in Ligue 1 this season but is also a capable left-back.

Liverpool delaying could see them miss out on the Frenchman altogether. The report suggests that Juventus are eyeing up a potential move for the youngster ahead of the Reds.

The Old Lady were ready to sign him in the summer and they are now ready to try and snap him up again.

Juventus could show their hand at the end of the 2019/20 campaign, stealing a march on Liverpool in the process.

The Serie A champions have already held four meetings with Toulouse over a potential deal and they could hold the advantage over Liverpool.

TBR Verdict – Liverpool right to play Goncalves waiting game

The Reds are spot on to consider having a look at the versatile defender over the course of a full season or two.

Although Andrew Robertson is the only senior left-back at the club, they shouldn’t rush into signing a deputy for him.

James Milner has proved capable of standing in and he recently signed a new deal at Anfield.

Goncalves, 18, has just five senior appearances to his name and there is no guarantee he will reach the required quality to play for Liverpool.

If Juventus do nip in ahead of Liverpool then so be it, but for now, the Reds are right to hang fire.