21 Feb 2017

Sign for Liverpool? 'Excellent' Midfield star who's 'like Pogba' can leave for €20m. Deal close in 2015

One of Liverpool's previous transfer targets is set to become available for a transfer this summer.

In the summer of 2015, Liverpool were reportedly 'close to signing Mario Lemina...as a replacement for Lucas Leiva', and according to Turin-based Tuttosport this week:

* Lemina could leave Juventus in summer, with the Premier League a likely destination.

* The Juventus hierarchy are open to offers of €20m+ for the 23-year old midfielder

Some info about 'excellent' Lemina:

* Jan 2015: The Daily Mail claimed: "Liverpool have 'enquired' about Mario Lemina".

* Sep 2015: Lemina on his versatility: “I’m as comfortable going forward as I am tracking back. I played in a back three on occasions. I can slot in anywhere".

* Sep 2015: On his best position: "Central, where I can dictate play and influence the game".

* Sep 2015: On his idol: “I’ve known Pgba since we were together in the France youth teams...and I hope to be like him one day.”

* Sep 2016: Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri's assessment: "He [Lemina] helps us to keep our balance. With him playing ahead of the defence, Pjanic and Khedira have more freedom to attack".

* Scouting Report (Strengths): "All-action, hard-working midfielder. Strong in the tackle. Quick across ground. Adept at breaking up play. Distributes in a sensible manner. Capable of playing as a holder, box-to-box role, right-back or as part of a three-man defence".

* Lemina on his (Weaknesses): "I play an important role in front of the defence, and I have to be more alert and focused".

After starting the season as a regular, Lemina has slipped into but-part mode at Juve, and it's hard to see why:

* Juve are unbeaten this season with Lemina as a starter (8 wins/2 draws in 10 games (6 clean sheets/Only 5 goals conceded)

* With starts and sub appearances, Lemina has been on the losing side just once in 19 apps.

Liverpool have been linked with several DMs/holding midfielders over the last few months, and with Lucas Leiva coming to the end of his Anfield career, a replacement may be needed this summer. Should Klopp reignite interest?


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