Former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey has urged the club to avoid a deal to sign an experienced Real Madrid centre-back this summer.
Heskey admits he understands why the Reds would be keen on adding someone of Nacho Fernandez’s quality and experience. However, he is convinced that the 31-year-old does not fit the age profile his old club should be looking for.
Just last month, Spanish outlet AS stated that Jurgen Klopp was tracking Fernandez ahead of a potential summer swoop. Indeed, the player impressed in Real’s 3-1 Champions League win over Liverpool on Tuesday evening.
He is not the only centre-back linked with the Reds, although RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate is now see seemingly off their radar.
Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic, Inter star Stefan De Vrij and Brighton’s Ben White are also known targets. A permanent deal for Ozan Kabak has also been mooted, if the on-loan defender continues to impress.
But speaking to HITC, Heskey wants Liverpool to sign a younger centre-back. He strongly believes that bringing in someone who can serve the club for a number of years is the best way to go.
Speaking about Fernandez inparticular, Heskey said: “A seasoned pro who reads the game very well. I could see why he’s being connected with Liverpool.
“But, when it comes to Liverpool, they probably need to look to the future too – someone who is a bit younger, who you know is going to give you five to ten years of proper service.
“Someone like that would be better.”
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Reds join race for Serie A attacker
Liverpool and Manchester United have joined the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina, according to reports – but the Serie A side are trying to block the move.
Vlahovic is beginning to fulfil his potential in Florence as he continues his third season in Italy. This has been his most prolific campaign yet, with 13 goals to his name in the league. His growth has made him a target for a number of Premier League clubs.
Tottenham are among the main contenders to sign the 21-year-old, while Arsenal have also shown an interest. Fellow London rivals West Ham have also been linked with the Serbia international.
But Vlahovic now has two more admirers – Liverpool and Man Utd.
That’s according to Tuttosport, who claim that the Premier League pair are showing an interest in the forward. Real Madrid could also launch a bid to take him to La Liga.
Liverpool have been looking for attacking reinforcements after an underwhelming campaign up front. Only Mohamed Salah has reached his usual levels in front of goal.
Diogo Jota has been a wise addition to their ranks and has put pressure on Roberto Firmino for his place. But with doubts about the futures of Salah and Sadio Mane, the Reds could need another option.
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Vlahovic a long-term project
There have been rumours of a return for Luis Suarez, but a move for Vlahovic would represent a longer-term project.
As for United, Edinson Cavani is out of contract at the end of the season. He could sign a one-year extension, but the general feeling is that he is more likely to return to South America.
In that event, the Red Devils will need to sign a replacement. They have been linked with the likes of Erling Haaland, but Vlahovic would be cheaper.
His asking price is still high, though, with previous reports indicating Fiorentina want €40m. And now, Tuttosport have outlined further measures they are putting in place to ward off Liverpool and United.
The newspaper claims that Fiorentina’s American owner Rocco Commisso will fly to Italy as a matter of urgency to discuss Vlahovic’s new contract.
The former Partizan forward’s deal runs until 2023. Extending it would give them greater strength in negotiations and could see his asking price rise further.
