24 Jan 2017

Sign for Liverpool? Klopp wants 'outstanding' €40m star who rejected 'Arsenal'. Secret talks held already with Inter

Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for one of Serie A's most coveted defenders.

According to reports in Italy:

* Klopp has his eye on 'outstanding' Roma centre-half Kostas Manolas.

* Inter Milan are also interested, and in a bid to get a jump on the deal, the Italian giants have allegedly held 'secret talks' over a possible €40m summer transfer.

Some info about Manolas:

* 25-year old centre-back. Contract expires: 2019.

* 109 apps for Roma. 27 apps for the Greece national team.

* Missed only 8 games through injury for his entire career.

* Jan 2017: When asked about a January move, Manolas' agent told reporters: "A transfer in January? There's no news, but it's hard to predict anything in football".

* Jan 2017: Manolas's agent also suggested that €40m may not be enough: "Roma refused an almost €40m offer from Arsenal in the summer. The Gunners were really interested but Roma's demands exceeded what they were willing to pay".

* Scouting Report (Strengths): "Excellent all-round defender. Speed to keep track of quicker attackers and the strength to battle more physical opponents. Without the ball he is both assertive and attentive, never neglecting his defensive duties and always keen for a challenge".

* Scouting Report (Weaknesses): "Occasionally suffers lapses in concentration, although that is an issue which blighted Roma’s defence long before he arrived".

* Aug 2014: On his playing style: "I'm fast and strong physically. I'm a good tackler and I can read opposition attacks well".

* Apr 2016: Radja Nainggolan's assessment: "If Manolas uses his brain, he can become one of the best in the world. The problem is he doesn’t use it!”

Hmmm. A defender prone to 'concentration lapses' who doesn't use his 'brain' on the field? Liverpool already have several players in the squad who fit this description...


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