Junior Firpo not on Jürgen Klopp's radar

Reports in Spain over the weekend claimed the European champions were ready to trigger a €50million buyout clause to land the versatile Firpo.

Madrid newspaper Marca suggested the Reds were not put off by the fee required to sign Firpo as Jürgen Klopp chases down cover and competition for current left-back Andy Robertson.

Manchester United are also reportedly interested, with the two Premier League giants set to fight it out to land Betis' 22-year-old left-back, according to the Spanish publication.

With Alberto Moreno set to leave Anfield this month, the Reds have something of a pressing concern on the left side of their defence with Robertson the only senior member of the squad who specialises in the role.

James Milner played there for virtually the entirety of the 2016-17 season, but the 33-year-old was returned to his favoured midfield role when Robertson was brought to Anfield two years ago.

Despite a lack of depth at left-back, however, claims that Firpo will become the first signing of the summer at Anfield are inaccurate.

The ECHO understands the Santo Domingo-born Firpo is not on the Reds' radar and has not been discussed by manager Klopp or sporting director Michael Edwards.

Liverpool won't be paying a €50m buyout clause for a player who would come into the fold as back-up to the influential Robertson.

Unlike the events of last year when Liverpool paid out around £170m to sign Xherdan Shaqiri, Alisson Becker, Naby Keita and Fabinho, the Reds are set for a much more subdued summer.

A left-back is likely to be on the agenda before the close of the window on August 8, but a big-money move for Firpo won't come to fruition.

The Spanish U21 international was asked about his future over the weekend, with Real Madrid reportedly also interested.

"Did Madrid call me? If you want to know, you can ask them," Firpo was quoted as saying. "I’m here with the national team and that’s all I want to think about.

"I have said that Real Madrid was more attractive to me because my father is from Madrid. This has nothing to do with where I would rather play.

"Honestly, the team that is most interesting to me right now is Real Betis, where I have been since I was young."

Liverpool are set for a more conservative spending spree this window with Klopp happy to merely tweak a squad that finished as Premier League runners-up with 97 points and Champions League winners.

Daniel Sturridge's exit has perhaps increased the need for another addition to the forward areas while Moreno will need replacing, but blockbuster deals are not expected to be forthcoming.

Liverpool spent close to £250m across two transfer windows in 2018 to bulk up Klopp's squad with top-class talent and enable the club to challenge for honours long term.

As such, Klopp is relaxed about the prospect of adding to his ranks as the Reds get set for another big season.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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