"The word is..." - Journalist reveals what he's heard about Klopp and Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be backed this summer despite a humiliating defeat to Real Madrid according to a recent report.

The Reds suffered a 5-2 loss to holders Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday despite taking a 2-0 lead and were blasted for their poor defensive showing.

It was the first time ever that the Merseyside giants have conceded five goals at home in the competition and failure to progress would all but end their hopes of winning a trophy this season.

Despite fresh reports of Klopp's future being discussed, according to journalist Neil Jones he retains the support of the owners and they are set to back him in the transfer market this summer.

Writing for Goal, Jones said: "The word is that Klopp will be backed in the market, and he will need to be. Bellingham alone will cost well over £100m (€112m/$119m), but the Reds will need more than just the England star if they are to repair the damage done this season."

'They need a midfield'

Liverpool's issues in midfield have long been highlighted and it appears that investing in that area is their priority this summer.

Since the arrival of Thiago from Bayern Munich back in 2020 the Reds haven't made any more significant additions in the middle of the park and it has shown this season.

Captain Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho just aren't performing at the top level anymore and if the club are to have any hope of getting back to the top they need better alternatives.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has often been critical of his former side this season and believes just one addition won't be enough.

Speaking to Goal, he said: "I think in the summer people felt Liverpool needed a midfield player, but now it feels like they need a midfield!

"It feels like it's two or three players for next summer in that area if I'm being honest. I think not buying the midfield player, a lot of the supporters criticise the owners for that, but this is not on FSG.

"The money was there for Tchouameni to come if he wanted to come, but he chose Real Madrid, and the feeling from the manager and the staff at Liverpool was 'well okay, we'll go with what we've got and maybe wait for Jude Bellingham next summer', and it just blew up in their faces."

Bellingham is clearly the main target but the teenage star has admirers from all over Europe and if Liverpool can't offer him Champions League football then he may go elsewhere.