Liverpool target set to 'request move' to Anfield following James Milner exit reports

Liverpool's search for new midfielders may just have been handed a huge boost, with one of Jurgen Klopp's targets having reportedly requested a move to the six-time European champions.

The news comes on the back of separate reports which suggest that long-time servant James Milner could be set to leave Anfield, with Brighton interested in landing the former England international.

Its no secret that Liverpool's 2023 summer transfer window is set to revolve around their pursuit of central midfielders, with the position being regarded as a key weak point by many critics ever since the exit of Gini Wijnaldum.

The likes of Thiago, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all struggled with injury over the past few seasons, leaving a glaring hole in the middle of the pitch for Liverpool. However, having seemingly failed in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund wunderkind Jude Bellingham, Liverpool could instead land another young Bundesliga star in Ryan Gravenberch.

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The Bayern Munich midfielder has been heavily linked with The Reds in recent months, with Manchester United also thought to be keen.

Gravenberch first caught the eye of clubs around the continent while at Ajax, putting in some impressive performances in both the Champions League and the Eredivisie during the 2021/22 season.

However, minutes have been harder to come by at Bayern this season, leaving the 20-year-old frustrated by his current situation.

According to renowned German football expert Christian Falk, Gravenberch is now preparing to request a move to Anfield this summer against Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel's wishes.

Writing in his caughtoffside column, Falk suggests the Dutch international will 'make it clear' to his current club that he wants to make the move to the Premier League, with Klopp thought to be a huge admirer.

He adds that the involvement of Tuchel could complicate matters, as the former Chelsea boss may try to convince Gravenberch to stay put for another season.

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Gravenberch isn't the only man who is on Liverpool's apparent midfield wishlist, as the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Khephren Thuram and Manuel Ugarte have all been linked with summer moves over the past few weeks.

One person who isn't expected to be among Liverpool's midfield options next season is Milner, who looks set to become a free agent this summer once his Liverpool deal expires.

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Brighton are current favourites to land the 37-year-old, with newly-promoted Burnley also among his suitors.