James Pearce talks Liverpool’s transfer plans in comprehensive Q&A

Liverpool say they have ‘moved on’ from the Nabil Fekir saga and do not appear to have a clear goalkeeping target for the moment, ECHO journalist James Pearce told supporters in a wide-ranging Q&A on Monday.

But Pearce, among the most reliable figures covering Liverpool, says there remains optimism on Fekir’s side that the deal, which ostensibly fell through due to medical concerns, could be resurrected.

He also reiterated his expectation that Klopp will pick out an alternative number ten if attempts to renegotiate a deal prove fruitless.

“Liverpool insist they have moved on from Fekir but sources close to the player still believe a deal could be revived,” he replied when asked if the pursuit of the Frenchman is ongoing. “His heart was set on Anfield and Lyon are clearly still keen to cash in.

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“Having decided that £53million was too big a risk due to concerns over an old knee injury, I’d be surprised if Liverpool went back in for him.

“I still expect Klopp to sign a Coutinho replacement in this window but as we’ve seen with the left-back and the centre-back situations in recent years, if he can’t get exactly what he wants he’s prepared to wait.”

Meanwhile, with Alisson’s heart seemingly set on Real Madrid, Liverpool appear to have hit a major stumbling block in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper.

Pearce did not identify any other outstanding options but suggested there may be some more clandestine movement in the transfer market.

“Alisson was the No 1 target but Roma’s asking price and the keeper’s desire to join Real Madrid means those hopes have faded,” Pearce told supporters. “His future will become clearer once Brazil are no longer in the World Cup.

“I’m sure a lot of work is going on in the background. Liverpool have been linked with a whole host of alternatives but I’m told there’s nothing in talk of making a move for either Burnley’s Nick Pope or Lazio’s Thomas Strakosha.”

Pearce also believes that the club’s wealth of options at centre-back means they will not enter the market for another potential partner to Virgil van Dijk.

“Klopp was delighted with how Van Dijk and Lovren established a partnership in the second half of last season,” he stressed. “Matip is also close to full fitness after his thigh injury.

“Gomez is on the comeback trail and I’d expect him to get some game time at centre-back in 2018/19. Then there’s Klavan, who is about to enter the final year of his deal.”

Similarly, with Dominic Solanke, Divock Origi, Danny Ings and young starlet Rhian Brewster all competing for a reserve role behind Roberto Firmino, it is supposedly unlikely that the club will invest in an auxiliary number nine.

“Klopp doesn’t want to block the pathway for Brewster, who will be elevated to the first-team set-up once he’s fit, which is likely to be late August/early September,” Pearce explained.

“Liverpool are in the market for an attacking midfielder as they still haven’t replaced Philippe Coutinho. However, I’m not aware of Klopp looking to buy a central striker.

“Obviously, Firmino is the No 9 and as it stands he’s got Solanke, Ings and Brewster as back-up. Sturridge is set to leave and Klopp has a decision to make on Origi in pre-season.”

Pearce believes Liverpool will once again step-up their transfer activity when the World Cup concludes next month and players become available for negotiation.

BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND – Saturday, November 18, 2017: Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster celebrates scoring the third goal during the Under-23 FA Premier League 2 Division 1 match between Liverpool and Everton at Prenton Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Turning his attention to the present squad, Pearce revealed that Liverpool expect to have close to their full complement available for their pre-season tour of the United States.

Mohamed Salah will be among the first to return to Melwood following Egypt’s early World Cup exit.

“They will get a few weeks off but they will be back at Melwood in time for the tour of the USA. Mohamed Salah is in that category.

“The Liverpool squad arrive in Charlotte for the first leg on July 21. Only those who go deep into the knockout stages will miss the matches in the States. With the game against Napoli in Dublin not until August 4, Klopp should have everyone back by then.”

It will be a crucial pre-season for Harry Wilson as he looks to force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s plans after impressing on loan at Hull last season.

BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND – Sunday, January 28, 2018: Liverpool’s captain Harry Wilson during the Under-23 FA Premier League 2 Division 1 match between Liverpool and Derby County at Prenton Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

“With Salah and Mane not involved in those early friendlies, it’s a great opportunity for him to carry on where he left off during that loan spell at Hull,” Pearce pointed out.

“Of course there’s a big difference between shining in the Championship and delivering at the top end of the Premier League but Wilson is a big talent. He knows the coming month will be crucial for him in terms of proving he commands a place in Klopp’s plans.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com