Liverpool have reportedly entered into negotiations with FC Lorient over a possible deal for their young left-back, Raphael Guerreiro.

As reported by Calcionews24.com (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star) the Reds have apparently started “preliminary talks” over the 22-year-old, who has been very impressive for the French outfit. It’s also noted that aside from the Reds, Napoli, Inter Milan, Roma and Juventus are all tracking the versatile full-back.

With just 18 months remaining on his current contract, Guerreiro could well be available for a knockdown price. Here’s what he could potentially offer:

He plays a position in which the Reds are pretty short currently. Alberto Moreno remains the first choice to fill the slot, but aside from him, Liverpool do lack proven quality. Jose Enrique is experienced but out of favour, while the talented Brad Smith has a bright future but is yet to be tested at the very highest level.

As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, while there may be some question marks over his defensive work, Moreno is a threat going forward:

Guerreiro could be an even better player than the Spaniard.

Of course, he’s not been tested against elite opposition on a regular basis quite yet, but he’s a footballer who has all the attributes required to be a top full-back. Most notably, he relishes both the attacking and defensive sides of the game.

The transfer would certainly make sense for the Reds. Not only would Moreno have some stern competition for his spot in the side, but the Portuguese would be another exciting, energetic player to add to the squad.

If Liverpool can get this one over the line, beating the aforementioned illustrious names in the process, it’d be smart business.

 

Reds Reportedly Ready to Up Alex Teixeira Bid

According to Adam Shergold, Dominic King and Simon Jones of MailOnline, Liverpool are willing to increase their initial offer for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Alex Teixeira.

“Liverpool’s starting bid for Teixeira is £24.5 million but they are willing to up this to nearer the Ukrainian club’s valuation of nearer £30 million,” the piece notes. It’s also suggested the Reds are likely to face stern competition from Chelsea in an attempt to sign the Brazilian, who has emerged as one of the most exciting players on the continent.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe thinks the 26-year-old could offer a lot at Anfield, although his purchase wouldn’t be good news for Liverpool’s other forwards:

It’s a lot of money to spend on a player in the January window and for Liverpool on a player who isn’t too dissimilar to what they already have. Granted, Teixeira has found a ruthless streak in front of goal this season with 22 goals in 15 league appearances, but he’s primarily a player who plays off the centre-forward.

In Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana, the Reds do already have footballers in that mould.

Still, Eastern European football expert John Bradley thinks the Shakhtar man would be a big hit on Merseyside:

Liverpool may not desperately need another No. 10, but manager Jurgen Klopp may see this as an ideal time to steal a march in pursuit of a wonderful player. After all, Chelsea are in a rut in the Premier League currently, and the Reds—even though they may struggle to secure a UEFA Champions League spot—look like a more appealing option.

Shakhtar do nurture their star players superbly, with Willian, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Douglas Costa and Fernandinho all impressing after making big-money moves elsewhere.

Teixeira seems capable of having a similar sort of impact, but as has been the case with all of the aforementioned players, the Ukrainian side usually get full value for their major assets.

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