Agbonlahor shares verdict on Liverpool completing Mateo Kovacic signing – ‘they’ve got the edge’
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Liverpool must take advantage of Mateo Kovacic’s contract situation to bring him to Anfield this summer.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed qualifying for next season’s Champions League would give the Merseysiders “the edge” in the race for the 28-year-old’s signature.
According to 90min (24 March), Liverpool are one of the sides set to explore a deal for Chelsea’s Kovacic this summer – when he will have just 12 months remaining on his Blues contract.
The report claims Man United and Man City are also ready to swoop for the Croatia international.
Kovacic has made 27 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this term but has not been a regular starter for Graham Potter’s side due to several fitness issues.
Liverpool are set to lose Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for free in June – while James Milner could also leave Anfield if he doesn’t agree to a pay cut.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I would take him if I were Liverpool.
“I really admire Kovacic, I think he’s outstanding and he’d fit into most teams across the world.
“He’s underrated, in my opinion. I think he’s the best midfielder at Chelsea – he can run with the ball, he’s a very good dribbler, he can pick a pass – I really like him.
“But I don’t think Chelsea will want to sell. They’ll try and tie him down to a new deal so if Liverpool can get into the Champions League, that will give them the edge.
“It’s going to be tough to get them to sell to a rival.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Liverpool and Man United race to sign 23-year-old as offer rejected.