Klopp praises 'classy' Real after Liverpool exit Champions League
Liverpool have been told of a double transfer swoop that would instantly transform Jurgen Klopp’s outfit into Premier League title candidates once again after a disappointing season. The Reds have been knocked out of all cup competitions and are currently seven points off fourth-placed Tottenham - a huge fall from grace compared to the previous few years under the German boss.
Klopp will be hoping there is money available to drastically overhaul the squad as defensive problems have persisted over the season, while several midfield recruits are said to be necessary as he was forced to field a midfield two of Fabinho and James Milner in the Champions League quarter-final second leg away to Real Madrid on Wednesday.
“Whoever gets Mason Mount has got the biggest result ever,” Merson wrote for Sky Sports. “The kid can play. It's bad business by Chelsea - they should give him what he's asking for. You don't offload your best players.
Liverpool targets Mason Mount and Jude Bellingham together. (Image: Getty)
“There are so many players that need to get shipped out of this Chelsea squad before Mount. When you hear whispers of the teams that want to buy him that tells you everything you need to know.
“If Liverpool go and get Mount and then Jude Bellingham, who could also go to Liverpool, you've got a title-contending team. Why would you want to chance that? Why would you make them stronger?
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“I'm a huge fan of Mount, he's a top-class player. He's not playing at the moment because of his contract situation. With the size of the squad, they aren't going to select a player who won't sign a new contract.”
The Athletic have claimed that it has become increasingly unlikely that Bellingham will move to Liverpool in the summer, as they are unlikely to be able to match the financial firepower of rival bidders. Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United are said to be among the teams vying for his signature for a fee upwards of £100million.
Mount, however, may be more of a realistic target for Liverpool as he appears to be no closer to signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge and could be available in the summer. The England international would fit Klopp’s high-pressing style of play and would cost around half the price of Bellingham.