Sources: Liverpool working on signing two top stars as new plan emerges
Liverpool have set their sights on signing two new midfielders next year, sources have told Football Insider.
The Merseysiders are braced for a major overhaul of their squad over the next two transfer windows as they prepare to let key stars go.
Liverpool plans will centre on the midfield with three of their first teamers – Naby Keita, Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain and James Milner – out of contract at the end of the season.
None of the three has been a regular starter this season, although Milner has made 19 appearances in total across 630 minutes of action.
But he turns 37 in January and Liverpool and their manager Jurgen Klopp accept they need younger and more dynamic replacements.
The plan is to bring in at least two new midfielders and “huge” cash has been set aside for doing so, with work already underway on making background checks.
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One is expected to be a big name who can slot straight into, and instantly improve, the first team. The other is likely to be a cheaper midfielder who can be developed by Klopp and his coaching staff.
It is believed that Jude Bellingham is a top target for Liverpool going into the new year and they have been busy laying the groundwork for what would be a potential club-record deal.
But the Merseysiders face extensive competition for the Borussia Dortmund sensation from the world’s elite clubs, most particularly Man City.
Keita will be let go, and there are no plans to keep hold of Oxlade-Chamberlain. Of the three Milner is the most likely to stay, on a one-year contract extension although he could look to join a club where he can end his remarkable career with more regular playing time.
The club were keen to discuss an extension with Keita but talks have collapsed after he was not interested in taking a pay cut.
In other news, Liverpool man is “obsessed with Newcastle United”.