Liverpool have identified Youri Tielemans and Fabian Ruiz as summer midfield targets after confirmation of James Milner leaving at the end of this season. Premier League giants have linked with multiple midfield targets this month also but they end up signing a new forward, Luiz Diaz. Now it is clear that the Reds will be focusing on only midfield targets this summer and have already started working on possible targets.
Leicester City box-to-box midfielder Youri Tielemans has been on Jurgen Klopp’s radar for some time now. Now El Nacional reports that Liverpool are leading the race for the Belgian midfielder who is also a target for Arsenal and Manchester City. But the same report also suggests that the player has his heart set on the Liverpool move and he is likely to reject other offers if the Reds make an official bid.
The 24-year-old midfielder arrived at King Power Stadium from AS Monaco in 2019 and has been a key part of Brendan Rodgers’ team. Tielemans has scored 5 and assisted 2 league goals this season despite the Foxes recent struggles. But he has just 18 months remaining on his contract so Leicester City can not negotiate for a high transfer fee this summer. Still, the Foxes are demanding £50 million for Tielemans and Merseyside giants are looking to bid around the same figure.
Manchester United Ahead Of Liverpool For Fabian Ruiz?
Liverpool and Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz this month but there was no official contact or inquiry for the player from either side. Now Spanish media reports that Manchester United have entered the race for the defensive midfielder and The Sun reports that they are ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal for a possible summer deal.
The 25-year-old Spanish ace has established himself as one of the best complete midfielders in Europe recently. He has been a crucial part of Naples since his arrival from Real Betis in 2018. Fabian has also cemented his place in the Spanish national team ahead of the likes of Koke and Saul, with 15 appearances so far. He is in great form with 5 goals and 3 assists in 18 Serie A matches this season, to guide Napoli to 2nd position in the league table. Fabian is capable of playing in any midfield role but his best position remains deep-lying midfielder.
Manchester United are looking at Fabian as an alternative target for Declan Rice who will cost them more than £100 million. The Sun also reports that Red Devils are preparing themselves for Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba’s summer departure on a free transfer as well. But Liverpool can lure the Spanish ace with a promise of regular Champions League football which is recently missing at Old Trafford. So finishing in the top-four position this season will be a high priority for the Red Devils to attract high-profile signings.