Football News

Liverpool issue response after agent whips up £6m Anfield transfer plan

Liverpool have decided not to take up an offer from Samuel Umtiti’s agent to sign the Barcelona defender this summer, according to a report.

The Reds are on the hunt for a new centre-back signing after a torrid time with injuries. While Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are nearing returns, Liverpool have discovered in the most brutal of ways the argument for four top options in the squad. Indeed, they have learnt an unlikely lesson in not replacing Dejan Lovren last summer.

As such, several names have reportedly entered the fray as targets for Jurgen Klopp’s side this summer.

However, RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate appears to be the most likely at this stage to make a move to Anfield.

Nevertheless, as Anfield Central reports, new potential signings are emerging as the window approaches.

The agent of Barca’s French defender Umtiti has reportedly offered Liverpool the chance to sign his client.

Umtiti was once one of the most revered defenders in Europe and a regular France international. However, a poor record with injuries has lost him both those titles.

In fact, he has picked up 12 injuries since moving to the Spanish capital from Lyon in 2016.

As such, Anfield Central reports that he is likely to move on this summer, with his representative scouring Europe for his next club. His contract will have two years left to run at the end of the season, but he has only made 12 La Liga appearances this term.

Liverpool will duly pass up on the opportunity to sign the 27-year-old for as little as £6million.

Reds chiefs are well aware of his injury record and do not want to take a risk with his signing. Furthermore, his £208,000 per week wages would go against Liverpool’s current financial structure.

Meanwhile, Umtiti’s agent has supposedly offered the player to Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus, Lyon and Lille.

Umtiti’s terrible time with injury

The defender has had several spells on the sidelines, some lengthier than others.

Indeed, he missed 19 games between November 2018 and February 2019 with a knee injury.

Following that, he was out between September and December last year with another such problem.

Anfield Central adds that United and City are unlikely to sign Umtiti and will look elsewhere.

READ MORE: Defender target takes Liverpool transfer into own hands, as plans step up

 

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