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Liverpool are reportedly ready to promote from within rather than adding Thiago Alcantara to their midfield ranks this summer.
Jurgen Klopp’s team has been closely linked to Thiago this summer, after the Bayern Munich star made it clear that he wants a new challenge.
However, the Premier League champions have yet to spend cash to match Bayern’s £ 27 million valuation, and the club is willing to not overpay in a Covid-19 affected market.
But amid rumors that Klopp needs to refresh his midfield, observers would be forgiven for forgetting about another option the manager has at his disposal.
Marko Grujic has returned to Liverpool this summer, having spent four and a half seasons on loan since joining Anfield from Red Star Belgrade on a £ 6.3m deal.
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The 24-year-old has had some playing time during the preseason, after making 31 appearances for Hertha Berlin last season during a second season on loan at the Bundesliga club.
It had been speculated that Hertha would seek to sign him permanently, with Liverpool seeking around £ 20 million for his signature.
But Grujic’s agent has canceled talks about an Anfield exit, saying the Premier League champions now want to keep Serbia an international.
“Liverpool want to retain him. That could change in January at the earliest,” Fali Ramadani said. Kicker , quoted by Get German football news.
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
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Liverpool got off to a shaky start in defending the title by overcoming a seven-goal thriller against Leeds.
The Reds are still interested in Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Munich, but Georginio Wijnaldum remains linked to Barcelona.
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Grujic has shown his versatility at Hertha, having played mainly in the midfield but also on the right, as an attacking midfielder and as a holding player.
So while he wouldn’t bring the experience of an established high-level player like former Barcelona star Thiago, Klopp will control him in terms of providing backing to players like Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Fabinho.
However, former Bayern Munich boss Uli Hoeness has suggested that Liverpool will continue to keep an eye on Thiago in hopes of getting him a deal at reduced prices.
The former president of the Bundesliga club acknowledges that the midfielder has already struck a deal with the Reds or their fierce rivals Manchester United.
“We offered him a great four-year deal, but at the last minute he changed his mind and told us he wanted a new challenge,” said Hoeness. Sport1 .
“He probably has a deal with Liverpool or Manchester United, or both. Neither club has come to us with an offer.”
“They are lying and want to blackmail us by waiting until the last week and then making a cheap offer.
“Bayern must decide whether they want to play this game or stand firm and stay with Thiago.”
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