Klopp: Liverpool transfer targets already drawn up
Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool’s transfer business this summer won’t hinge on whether they are back in the Champions League.
The Reds will return to Europe’s elite if they beat Sevilla in tonight’s Europa League final in Basel.
That would guarantee a windfall of at least £40million but Klopp says it won’t alter the list of targets Liverpool have already drawn up.
“Since I said what I’d do if I player said to me he would only come if we have Champions League (put the phone down), no player had said it to me!” Klopp told the ECHO.
“Hopefully we will never talk about the money around signings.
“Not because it’s not a big number or something but because if we take a player it’s because we believe he fits what we need, not because he’s expensive or he’s cheap.
“Our owners are completely behind that and it’s really cool.
“Nobody has said to me that if we’re not in the Champions League that affects things.
“If you aren’t in Europe at all then maybe you need less players but that’s not something to think about now.”
Bayern Munich attacker Mario Gotze is the top target with Liverpool hoping to wrap up a deal for around £20million.
The Reds are in advanced talks to sign Mainz keeper Loris Karius for £4.7million to provide greater competition for Simon Mignolet.
Liverpool also want Udinese’s Poland international midfielder Piotr Zielinski, who has spent this season on loan at Empoli. Talks are continuing but the Reds have distanced themselves from reports in the player’s homeland that a transfer has already been agreed.
Centre-back Joel Matip will join Liverpool on a free transfer from Schalke this summer, while £5.1million midfielder Marko Grujic will arrive from Red Star Belgrade.
The Reds are also keen on young Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell but agreeing a fee could prove problematic.
Whatever happens at St Jakob-Park on Wednesday night, Klopp insists the foundations have been laid for Liverpool to push on next season.
“What I can say after seven or eight months here is that the whole club feel like it’s on a good way,” he added.
“You see it on the pitch. We want to take everything. We fight for everything.
“But it’s not about being there or we have to be next year there. We feel like we’re on a good way.
“We have created first of all a really good atmosphere at Melwood and Chapel Street. A nice, easily enjoyable atmosphere.
“It’s unbelievable what wonderful moments we’ve had since I’ve been here.
“My opinion is that this is the base for success in the future. Whenever that is. I can’t say ‘now’ or ‘now’ because things happen around us.”
Source: Liverpool Echo
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