Arne Slot looks on during a Liverpool matchplaceholder image
Arne Slot looks on during a Liverpool match | Getty Images
Liverpool could miss out on one of their top midfield targets if a new report is accurate.
It might not seem it on paper, but Liverpool’s need for a midfielder who can link the defence, midfield, and attack is equally as important as signing a replacement for Mohamed Salah.
The knock-on effect that a physical, ball-playing no.6 would bring to the Reds’ engine room is huge. The reins could be taken off both Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai with them allowed to focus on attacking more than winning the ball back and building play. It could also be the sort of signing that prevents the lunacy that was Wolverhampton’s first goal with a natural defensive midfielder more likely to be ready and willing to cover his centre-halves when it looks like they are isolated and in trouble.
Elliot Anderson on the move?
One player who would be perfect is England international and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, however, according to transfer journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to TEAMtalk, Liverpool could be set to lose out to Man City yet again: “I have to be honest, for several weeks now, from numerous sources, I am told that Anderson to City is a done deal,” Bailey exclusively revealed to TEAMtalk.
“City have been on Anderson for months, since last year. I am told Hugo Viana picked him out last summer as one he wanted. In football circles, the belief is that Anderson is only going to one place and that is City,” he added. “Whilst City and Forest are not confirming anything, I think that whilst nothing is signed, Anderson knows where he will be playing next season and that will be the Etihad.”
How much do Forest want for Elliot?
Forest are said to be demanding a fee of around £90m for the six-times capped England star who has really risen to prominence after Thomas Tuchel put his faith in the Scotland eligible enforcer. The 23-year old came close to missing out on being able to play for the Three Lions after Steve Clarke called him up after representing the Under-17s, 18s and 21s north of the border. Anderson was set to earn senior honours for Scotland before withdrawing from the squad to take more time over making his decision. And the rest is history.
The fee isn’t excessive for a player of his age and with his physical and technical profile. What might make a difference is the £60m gentleman’s agreement that Adam Wharton is reported to have with Crystal Palace. Should a Champions League club look to sign him, they will pay considerably less than his market value, which is every bit as high as Anderson’s. Tuchel prefers the Forest man, but there is an argument for the Real Madrid-linked Wharton to have the higher ceiling in terms of passing ability. In other words, he wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize should Anderson go to City.
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