German newspaper Kicker claim that Liverpool have registered an interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches and may look to make a late summer move for the Portugal international. Sanches moved to the Bundesliga for £31.5 million last summer after being named the young player of the tournament at Euro 2016, but struggled in Germany.
Now, the German club could allow him to leave either permanently or on loan. Liverpool have been looking for a midfielder this summer but it would seem a strange move to leave it so late in the window, particularly with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana currently sidelined by injury.
In other news, The Times say that striker Roberto Firmino is set for talks over a new contract this season. The 25-year-old’s current deal runs until 2020 but could be extended as Liverpool prepare to reward the Brazilian for his fine form which was typified by a superb display against Hoffenheim on Wednesday.
With doubts over the future of Philippe Coutinho and already having lost close friend Lucas Leiva this summer, it may also be a move to ensure that Firmino remains happy on Merseyside. Whilst there has been no indication of interest in him of late, his return of 12 goals and 11 assists in 41 games last season is bound to have caught the eye.
However, that could be the only kind of signing that Liverpool make in the near future as Jurgen Klopp appeared to hint that the club are no longer in the market for a midfielder in his pre-match press conference. The German was quoted by The Guardian as saying:
“James Milner plays in midfield again – that’s like a transfer for us. Alberto Moreno plays left-back again in an outstanding way. We will see what happens. I’m happy at the moment. Will I be happier after the 31st? We will see.”
Moreno’s form has seen him earn another chance in the Liverpool first team, consequently seeing Milner revert to a midfield role. That could prove to be a temporary solution until January or next summer.