Liverpool have ‘regular’ and ‘insistent’ contact with Wolves star Rayan Aït-Nouri. However, the player will not be allowed to move in January, according to a report.
Joining Wolves on an initial loan deal in 2020, Aït-Nouri has developed into a regular for Gary O’Neil’s side at left back and has featured in all 12 Premier League games so far this season. According to Le10sport, the one-cap Algeria international’s performances have been attracting interest from several clubs, including Liverpool.
The report claims that the Reds are the “keenest” side when it comes to Aït-Nouri and add that the 22-year-old former Angers star has been “the subject of regular” and insistent contact”.
However, Wolves have no intention of sanctioning a sale this winter “no matter what offer might arrive” and will block any move for their impressive left back. No Wolves player has made more tackles than Aït-Nouri (30) in the Premier League this season.
While this is not the first time Liverpool been linked with Aït Nouri, the idea of serious interest now raises questions.
Though first choice left back Andy Robertson is currently sidelined as he recovers from shoulder surgery, he is likely to be available again when the transfer window re-opens in January. The Reds also have a like-for-like backup in Kostas Tsimikas, who registered two assists in the win over Brentford and signed a contract extension earlier this year.
Anfield Watch understands that after the summer overhaul of the midfield, Liverpool’s next recruitment priority will be the defence.
However, the Reds are on the lookout for a left-sided centre back who can be a long-term option for Jurgen Klopp’s side as part of the new system that sees the left back tuck into a back three when Trent Alexander-Arnold pushes into midfield as part of the ‘box’ midfield. Anfield Watch reported Liverpool’s interest in Levi Colwill for the role over the summer, before the England international signed a new long-term deal with Chelsea.
The likes of Goncalo Inacio, Piero Hincapie and Antonio Silva have all been linked in recent weeks.
