Report: Liverpool want Ismael Bennacer amid AC Milan uncertainty

By Jordan Harris

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is waiting in the wings for Ismael Bennacer should the midfielder fail to agree a new contract with AC Milan, according to a report from Tuttomercatoweb.

Bennacer’s future at San Siro appears to have a question mark hanging over it. His current contract with the Rossoneri expires in 2024. And Milan’s previous offer of an extension had been rejected.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Serie A champions had put a deal worth around £50,000-a-week on the table. However, Bennacer is looking for terms much closer to what Theo Hernandez is on.

Liverpool want Ismael Bennacer

That figure stands at around £66,000-a-week plus bonuses. So there is some distance between the two parties.

Tuttomercatoweb reports that there is optimism that an agreement will be reached. But there is interest from elsewhere, with Liverpool keen on the Algeria international.

The report adds that Klopp is a big fan of Bennacer.

They are not his only Premier League admirer. Reports from Calciomercatoweb claimed that Arsenal were preparing an offer involving a fee and Thomas Partey moving in the opposite direction.

Milan want around £52 million if the 24-year-old is going to leave.

Bennacer would be an extremely exciting signing for Liverpool. It is no secret that the Reds need to overhaul their midfield options in the near future.

Bennacer is in the top 20 for tackles won in Serie A this season, according to FB Ref. And he is even higher for challenges and interceptions combined.

But he loves getting onto the ball and making things happen. Just two players in the entire division have had more touches in the middle third of the pitch this season. And he is eighth for key passes in Serie A.

He is an extremely well-rounded midfielder, with Thierry Henry an admirer of his. And there are likely to be plenty of sides who take notice if Milan cannot tie him down.

Liverpool will be one.