9 Dec 2016

Anfield MegaDeal? Liverpool keen to sign 'exceptional' £35m powerhouse who knows Klopp. Offers invited by Roma

Liverpool are once again being linked with a move for versatile Roma defender Antonio Rudiger.

In May, a report on German TV channel Sport 1 claimed that Liverpool were considering an offer for Rudiger, and according to the Daily Mail this week:

"Liverpool are keeping tabs on Antonio Rudiger [and] Roma will listen to offers next month".

Some info about £35m-rated Rudiger:

* Centre-back, who can also play as a right-back, or a defensive-midfielder. Contract expires: 2020

* Roma and Stuttgart: 125 appearances in the last four seasons (Averages 29 games per season). 10 apps for the German national team.

* Three separate knee injuries in the last 2 seasons (216 days out; 21 games missed)

* Scouting Report (Strengths): "Lightning fast and agile; strong aerially and in the tackle; a tidy ball-playing defender; never-say-die attitude".

* Scouting Report (Weaknesses): "Prone to the odd lapse in concentration; guilty of trying too hard on occasions".

* Jun 2015: Joachim Low's assessment: "He [Rudiger] is another Jerome Boateng. He’s been one of our strongest defenders in training."

* Oct 2014: Rudiger enthused: "On the pitch my idol is Thiago Silva. He’s just world class and a player I hope to play against in the future."

From 2008-2011, Rudiger Rudiger - hailed in April by Roma boss Luciano Spalletti for his 'exceptional' performances - spent three years in Borussia Dortmund's youth system, and although he didn't make a breakthrough at the club, Jurgen Klopp will be well aware of his talents.

A viable replacement for Sakho and/or Lucas?


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