Liverpool have strong interest in signing midfield enforcer in next 10 days - report

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Published on:

21 Aug 2016, 3:53 am

By Joe Nelson

Liverpool have expressed strong interest in signing Roma midfield enforcer Leandro Paredes, according to a report.

Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed on his website that the Reds are keen on bringing the 22-year-old to Anfield before the transfer window shuts.

It is said that the Merseysiders and Leicester are keen on buying Paredes on a permanent transfer but Roma do not want to cash in on him.

Liverpool's opening two Premier League matches of the season have highlighted their need for a midfield anchorman after attack-minded duo Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum were selected in central midfield due to Emre Can's lack of fitness.

Football Insider revealed earlier in the window that Liverpool were compiling a dossier on Paredes following his encouraging displays last season while on loan at Empoli.

The Argentine moved to the Italian capital in 2014 from Boca Juniors on loan, before making his transfer permanent in 2015.

Paredes, who is rated in the £7million bracket, is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also operate in a more attacking role in the middle of the park.

The former Argentina Under-17 international was a regular for Empoli during his season-long loan from Roma in 2015-16.

Paredes' contract with Roma runs until June 2019 and he has 45 Serie A appearances to his name so far, with just three goals registered.

In other Liverpool transfer news, the Reds have agreed a £30million-plus deal for a striker.

Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool FC

Oliver Burke