Reds close to tying up deal to make Lovren their most expensive defender…
SEE ALSO: Liverpool’s worst ever signings!
It looks likely that Liverpool will wrap up a £20m deal for Southampton’s Croatian defender Dejan Lovren in the coming week, according to reports in the Times.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a solid debut season in the Premier League last time out with the Saints, but questions have been raised by Liverpool supporters if he’s really worth the extortionate fee the club are set to pay.
Here’s five players who could be better options for Liverpool.
5) Mehdi Benatia – AS Roma
Benatia is apparently available for £27m, and was probably the best defender in Serie A last term. The Moroccan helped Roma concede just 25 goals in the league last term, which is exactly half what Liverpool conceded. Manchester City are set to sign Eliquim Mangala, meaning one obstacle to any potential Benatia deal is no longer around. He’s quick, and prides himself on his excellent concentration levels.
4) Mats Hummels – Borussia Dortmund
Hummels is one of the very best defenders on the planet right now, having just played a key role in helping Germany win the World Cup. Borussia Dortmund have just snared international defender Matthias Ginter, meaning that for the right price, Hummels is probably available, although the Reds would have to fight Manchester Untied tooth and nail for his signature. Any Liverpool fan would be happy for the club to pay slightly more than the £20m they’re about to spend on Lovren to pick up the brilliant Hummels.
3) Daniel Agger
This one’s from left field, but in Daniel Agger, Liverpool already have an experienced ball-playing centre-half, who actually did so well in the 2012/13 season Brendan Rodgers made him the club vice-captain. Last season though, Rodgers decided against using the 29-year-old Dane very often, and he’s now rarely mentioned in Liverpool lineup discussions for next season. However, this is an international captain, and a player regularly linked to Barcelona, it’s important to remember. If he stays injury free, Rodgers has admitted he could use him.
2) Marquinhos – PSG
PSG splashed out absurd money on Chelsea’s David Luiz, meaning that young Marquinhos, previously the world’s most expensive teenager, will only get first-team action through injuries or rotation. At 20-years-old, Marquinhos would have a very long time to pay Liverpool back the likely large transfer fee his services would demand, and his composure on the ball and talent mean he could well develop into one of the world’s very, very best.
1) Raphael Varane – Real Madrid
Varane is discontent at Real Madrid because of his comparatively small £25k-per-week wages, and while Chelsea are considered favourites to sign him, Liverpool could do plenty worse than complete with Jose Mourinho’s side for his services. Varane is positionally excellent, and brave in possession.
