Liverpool's midfield target fuels speculation about his future
Written By
Ernest SundayA passionate sports journalist with an eye for detail.
Following injuries to Thiago Alcântara, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keïta, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has finally admitted that the club is short of midfielders.
Though the manager is dissatisfied with the absence of these players, he has maintained his intention of only signing a midfielder if the right one becomes available.
"I know we have this discussion now since it all started, and I am the one who said we don't need a midfielder, and now we go for a midfielder," Klopp told reporters.
"And you were all right, and I was wrong. That is the situation. "But that specific point does not change. If we will do something, then it has to be the right player. That is how it is."
Following Klopp's comment, Liverpool have been linked with several midfielders in Europe, including Wolverhampton Wanderers' Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves whose name has been in the transfer market in the past few years.
The gifted midfielder, previously linked with a move away from Wolves, has fueled speculation about his future at the Molineux Stadium, revealing his desire to play in the Champions League.
"I try to focus 100 per cent on my football," said Ruben Neves. "If you ask me at the end of last season, I would have said to you. I will leave, but I am still here, so we never know what is going to happen.
"One of the things I miss most is the Champions League. It is the best competition in the world to play in. So let's try to achieve that. "
Ruben Neves was previously linked with Liverpool's rival Manchester United, who were searching for a defensive midfielder before signing former Real Madrid player Casemiro.
With United's midfield problem now solved, Neves would hope to receive an offer from Liverpool before the transfer deadline day on Thursday to enjoy the Champions League football he seeks.
Neves is regarded as one of the Premier League's best defensive midfielders since joining Wolves from Portuguese club FC Porto, having made 217 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League player club.
Signing the 25-year-old would be a great addition to Jürgen Klopp's team, and he could help them get through their injury crisis. Though Neves is heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, Wolves are yet to receive an offer from the Reds.
Despite rumours of Liverpool's interest, Wolves manager Bruno Lage is confident in keeping Neves this season, having stated his intention.
"I am 99 per cent sure he will stay with us for one more year." "I can say 100, but you never know with the market," Bruno Lage responded to the rumours.
Liverpool are also linked with RB Leipzig's midfielder Konrad Laimer, who had previously been linked with Bayern Munich, and the Reds may turn their attention to the Austrian if the Neves deal falls through.