Liverpool are reportedly set to challenge city rivals Everton for the signature of Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel after missing out on Gregorz Krychowiak, who was recently snapped up by PSG.
This is according to The Mirror, who suggest that Jurgen Klopp is keen to bolster his ranks in defensive midfield.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail claim that Liverpool are willing to sell Joe Allen for £14m.
Why?
What do the Reds hope to achieve by swapping Allen for the man who lost his midfield battle with him when Wales beat Belgium 3-1 to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016 on Friday night?
Allen is not as tall or strong as Witsel, but he excels in the areas which are much more relevant in today’s modern game.
Wee Joe reads the game, allowing him to intercept possession frequently. He is confident on the ball and, although the Pirlo and Xavi comparisons are becoming rather tired jokes now, they have been made for a reason – because Allen is a bloody good footballer.
If Liverpool sell Allen and replace him with Witsel – a 27-year-old who has, to date, only played league football in Belgium, Portugal and Russia – then the world has officially gone mad.
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