Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Matheus Nunes by Portuguese news outlets, but a British journalist has claimed the Reds have no interest in the midfielder.
Writing for The Times, Paul Joyce has suggested Jurgen Klopp's side are ‘not pursuing a deal for Nunes.
Instead, Joyce believes Liverpool will be looking at internal solutions to the conundrum presented by Thiago Alcantara’s injury.
The Spaniard has been sidelined for 6 weeks after sustaining an injury to his hamstring against Fulham at the weekend.
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And the player who is set to benefit from Thiago’s absence most is said to be Harvey Elliott.
The youngster has today renewed his contract with Liverpool and is expected to play a prominent first-team role this season.
He came off the bench to strong effect against his former club Fulham, combining well with the likes of Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right-hand side.
Stylistically though, Elliott is a very different player to Thiago, so it’ll be interesting to see how Klopp adjusts things tactically to ensure his star Spanish midfielder’s absence isn’t felt too profoundly.
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Thiago is usually the main creative hub at the base of Liverpool’s midfield, receiving the ball from deep and slotting passes through the lines, whereas Elliott is more of a front-footed midfielder.
He prefers to be the man who receives the ball from players such as Thiago who progress it forward rather than playing those passes himself.
As such, if Elliott is to replace Thiago, the third man playing alongside him and Fabinho may adopt more of a restricted role.
The hearts of many Liverpool fans will sink as a result of the news concerning the club’s lack of lack of interest in Nunes.
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They aren’t the same team without Thiago, and the Sporting midfielder would have helped to fill the void Thiago leaves in the team whenever he is unavailable.
For the Reds, it seems their vision is set on improving their midfield next summer, with Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham their priority target.
Robert Worthington