The hamstring injury of Thiago Alcantara appears to have forced Liverpool back into the transfer market with the Reds set to move for a key Portuguese midfield target.
Thiago has grown increasingly important to Klopp's side since joining two years ago and he is thus dearly missed when unavailable for selection at Anfield.
He possesses a profile which is unique in the Liverpool squad, and the Reds have to change the way they play when he is unavailable.
But Liverpool look set to change that before the transfer window slams shut by moving for Sporting's Matheus Nunes.
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That’s according to Correio da Manha (via Paisley Gates) who claim the Reds are preparing an offer to sign Nunes in the coming days.
The Portuguese news outlet states a bid in the region of £40 million would be enough to pry Nunes away from Sporting.
Recent reports have suggested Nunes is eager to join Liverpool this summer, and is waiting for a move from the Reds despite firm interest from Wolves.
Wolves are said to have gone as far as to lodge an acceptable bid for Nunes, but he continues to wait for Liverpool.
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The Correio da Manha report suggests Nunes has been learning English and practicing his linguistic skills with his Sporting teammate Marcus Edwards, a product of the Spurs academy.
Even before Thiago sustained his latest injury, Liverpool would have been sensible to sign Nunes this summer.
The Spaniard has always been an injury prone player, and now he’s the wrong side of 30, his injury problems are only going to increase in regularity.
As such, the Reds need an adequate understudy for him.
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Nunes is just the man for the job.
At 23, he’s only going to improve further, and he can do so by learning from Thiago. Until he’s ready to displace the Spaniard, he can fill in for him whenever he’s needed to.
Reds fans will be hoping the report from Correio da Manha is accurate and an official bid for Nunes is coming soon.
Topics: Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Sporting CP, Thiago Alcantara
Robert Worthington