Liverpool pull the plug on Youri Tielemans deal as scouting and wage concerns revealed

Liverpool have reportedly decided not to pursue a summer move for one of their midfield targets after key concerns were raised - and Arsenal are also said to have stepped back from talks.

The Reds have endured a difficult 2022/23 season, being knocked out by Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 and struggling to find consistent form in the Premier League.

One area that has come in for criticism has been in midfield, with the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson not at their absolute best this season.

The Reds have also suffered from injury problems, with Thiago, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all missing significant amounts of game time.

Both Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain are out of contract this summer, and there is no indication yet that Liverpool will look to retain either player.

Therefore, Klopp's side appear to be on the lookout for possible replacements. But one of them will not be Leicester star Youri Tielemans, according to a new report.

Tielemans Liverpool move is 'off'

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have decided not to proceed with a move for Tielemans as they believe he is 'not mobile enough' for manager Jurgen Klopp's high-pressing system.

The Belgium international will be available as a free agent this summer, and his signing would have enabled the Reds to spend more substantial amounts in other areas.

But it doesn't appear that the midfielder will be joining Anfield - and TeamTalk report that a move to Arsenal looks unlikely as well after the player's wage demands led the Gunners to step away from talks.

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Such an issue would likely prove a stumbling block for Liverpool as well, if they were to perform a U-turn on their interest in the player.

But Football Insider also claim that the Reds will turn their attention towards trying to sign Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and Chelsea's Mason Mount.

Both players' contracts expire in the summer of 2024, and Mount has yet to agree to fresh terms at Stamford Bridge. He appointed a new agent last month, further fuelling speculation that a move to Anfield could be on the cards for the England international.

Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Transfers, Youri Tielemans, Arsenal, Leicester City

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.