Liverpool transfer news: The Reds reportedly remain keen on a Premier League midfielder while there is interest in a Porto star after his Champions League heroics.
Liverpool fans have another classic Wembley final to remember after Virgil van Dijk’s dramatic extra-time winner against Chelsea on Sunday. The two sides looked to be heading for penalties again, two years after meeting in the final, when the Dutchman headed home Kostas Tsimikas’ corner.
It could be the start of a quadruple for Jürgen Klopp in his final season at Anfield and the Liverpool boss admitted after the match that it was his ‘most special’ achievement given the players he was without. The Reds are back in action in the FA Cup against Championship side Southampton on Wednesday night, before a trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
His focus will be on continuing his side’s excellent run but the Liverpool board is continuing its search for Klopp’s successor, as well as a new sporting director. Despite those vacancies yet to be filled, there continue to be links to potential summer recruits.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today, including competition from Munich for a Premier League star and interest in a talented midfielder.
João Palhinha (Fulham)
Liverpool and Bayern Munich could go head-to-head for Fulham midfielder João Palhinha at the end of the season, according to Football Insider. Portugal international Palhinha appeared to be on his way to Munich during the transfer window last summer but the move fell through at the 11th hour.
Bayern has remained interested in the 28-year-old, who has enjoyed another decent season with Fulham, and could make a move despite Thomas Tuchel’s departure. The ex-Chelsea boss is said to have been a huge admirer of Palhinha but it was confirmed last week that he will leave this summer.
He remains on Bayern’s radar though and the report suggests Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea will also be in the mix for the right price. Earlier this month, Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan insisted the club wanted to keep the midfielder but accepted ‘sensible’ offers would have to be considered.
Palhinha is having another fine season with Fulham and has made more tackles (105) than any other player in the Premier League. It would be no surprise to see Bayern revisit the situation in the summer but there could be competition from England. Liverpool does have a lot of midfield options, when everyone is fit, but the Fulham man would be a real addition for any top side.
Alan Varela (Porto)
Porto midfielder Alan Varela is set to be a man in demand this summer after some eye-catching performances. Varela, who starred against Arsenal last week, has reportedly been on Liverpool’s radar for some time with Bolavip reporting the Reds made contact with Porto last month.
There was no bid during the January transfer window but O Jogo reports that the Reds and Manchester City remain interested in the 22-year-old. However, it appears both clubs passed up the opportunity to watch Varela in action against Premier League opposition last week.
Portuguese publication Record suggests that instead there were scouts from Manchester United, Aston Villa and West Ham in attendance for the clash with Arsenal, although it is unclear who they were watching. Any deal for Varela won’t come cheap, with the midfielder having a release clause of $76m (£60m/€70m).
Varela’s performance against Arsenal last week will have certainly alerted a number of clubs but there will be plenty of competition if he decides to leave Porto. He will be on English soil for the return leg with Arsenal next month and you would expect more scouts to be there, perhaps even some Liverpool representation.
