Report: Liverpool eye surprise late move for £148k-a-week midfielder

Liverpool are targeting a surprise move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes as doubts continue to grow regarding Naby Keita – after he was ruled out of Monday’s defeat to Liverpool through injury.

With his contract at Anfield expiring at the end of the season, Keita was left out of the squad for the 2-1 defeat to United. Jurgen Klopp spoke after the match, simply saying “he fell”. Injury or not, Liverpool do need another midfielder.

Now, the club are said to be considering a late move for Paredes. The 28-year-old is somewhat of a fringe player at PSG, behind the likes of Marco Verratti and new signing Vitinha in the pecking order. He has a contract until 2024.

PSG have played four games this season so far. While the 44-time Argentina international has featured in all four, all of his appearances have come from the bench. Clearly, the £148k-a-week midfielder needs to leave the club.

The report claims that Liverpool have ‘indicated their interest’ in Paredes. However, they are not alone in pursuit of the ex-Zenit midfielder – with Juventus making an offer. It would see Juve raid PSG a second time, after Angel Di Maria.

LIVERPOOL TARGETING SURPRISE PAREDES MOVE AS DOUBTS GROW REGARDING KEITA

Whatever the situation regarding Keita, Liverpool need a midfielder like Paredes. Injured or fit. They need more depth in the middle of the park – finally replacing Gini Wijnaldum who of course, moved to PSG last summer with Paredes.

On Monday, Liverpool started a makeshift midfield of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Harvey Elliott. Fabinho was on the bench, perhaps not fully fit. Thiago remains on the sidelines with a muscle problem. Liverpool need depth.

Paredes is the kind of player that can play in Fabinho’s holding role. But he is more than adept at playing slightly further forward. In his 61 games for Zenit, he had a hand in 26 goals. A good signing for Liverpool at this late stage.