Report: Liverpool face renewed battle for 21-year-old Jurgen Klopp favourite deemed ‘one of the very best’

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A player reportedly sought after by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is said to be the subject of renewed interest by Newcastle United, according to the Daily Mail.

Lille ace Boubakary Soumare was linked with a January switch to St James’ Park, but it failed to materialise, with BBC Sport reporting that a £35million bid failed as the player didn’t want to move.

According to a Le10 Sport report from February, the 21-year-old rejected Newcastle because he hoped to join Liverpool instead this summer, having impressed in the heart of Lille’s midfield this season.

Soumare has made 69 appearances for Lille since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2017, and helped his side to a second-placed finish in Ligue 1 last season.

Lille president Gerard Lopez previously told La Voix du Nord, as quoted by Goal: “He’s one of the very best at his job. He’s technical, with incredible physical power and wins a great deal of possession. He’s a modern No.6 or 8. We’ll see him in the France team very soon.”

However, head coach Christophe Galtier admitted earlier this year that there was tension surrounding the future of the highly-rated youngster amid all the speculation linking him with a move in January.

Spanish outlet SPORT recently reported that Klopp is a “big fan” of Soumare, and that the Reds started negotiations back in the summer over a potential move to Anfield.

However, the Daily Mail claims that Newcastle haven’t given up and will continue discussions as they are keen to underline to the France Under-21 international that he is still wanted and part of their plans for next season.

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Given the disparity between Liverpool and Newcastle at present, one would think the Reds have the upper hand in their hopes of signing Soumare, but it’s not always so clear cut.

Newcastle are reportedly on the verge of a takeover (BBC Sport), so if more money is made available for transfer fees and wages, not to mention ambition and promises of first-team football, Soumare could find himself with a lot more food for thought.