It wouldn't be transfer season without endless links to Southampton players, and Ryan Bertrand is the latest Saints name to re-enter the fray.
Liverpool were regularly linked with Bertrand during Brendan Rodgers' reign, and according to The Mirror over the weekend:
"Chelsea and Liverpool are both watching developments on England left-back Bertrand, who is ready to leave St Mary's. The 27-year-old has [told] team-mates that he thinks he will be on his way".
When asked recently about his future, Bertrand claimed he's 'happy' at Southampton, but added:
"It’s nice to get that recognition, and I suppose that will come if you play consistently in the Premier League and internationally. I learnt a long time ago not to get carried away with anything.”
Some info about Bertrand:
* Left-back. Contract expires: 2021
* Southampton: 104 apps (20 goals/assists)
* Injuries: Missed 17 games since 2013 (3x knee injuries; 1x hamstring)
* Dec 2016: Jamie Carragher selected Bertrand in his 'team of the season'.
* Nov 2016: Jamie Redknapp insisted: "Ryan Bertrand made a great move. He wasn’t getting a game at Chelsea. He looks a fantastic left-back".
* May 2017: BBC pundit Garth Crooks enthused: "Should Liverpool qualify for Champions League, I seriously suggest Jurgen Klopp pays whatever it takes to take Bertrand to Anfield. The player is in that class".
Last week, James Milner admitted that he's 'frustrated' at left-back, so now is the time to bring in a dedicated full-back to take over.
In my view, €25m-rated Bertrand fits the profile of the type of player Liverpool should try and sign this summer (experienced, consistent, mid-to-late 20s; entering prime years etc), but are Liverpool really going to raid Southampton *again*?
Plus, is Bertrand really much better than Nathaniel Clyne? Both are solid performers, but Clyne's suspect decision-making/game intelligence in the final third is often frustrating, and the same complaint can be levelled at Bertrand. Indeed, the defender's crossing accuracy this season (13%) is even worse than Clyne's, and that's saying something (!)
Liverpool were regularly linked with Bertrand during Brendan Rodgers' reign, and according to The Mirror over the weekend:
"Chelsea and Liverpool are both watching developments on England left-back Bertrand, who is ready to leave St Mary's. The 27-year-old has [told] team-mates that he thinks he will be on his way".
When asked recently about his future, Bertrand claimed he's 'happy' at Southampton, but added:
"It’s nice to get that recognition, and I suppose that will come if you play consistently in the Premier League and internationally. I learnt a long time ago not to get carried away with anything.”
Some info about Bertrand:
* Left-back. Contract expires: 2021
* Southampton: 104 apps (20 goals/assists)
* Injuries: Missed 17 games since 2013 (3x knee injuries; 1x hamstring)
* Dec 2016: Jamie Carragher selected Bertrand in his 'team of the season'.
* Nov 2016: Jamie Redknapp insisted: "Ryan Bertrand made a great move. He wasn’t getting a game at Chelsea. He looks a fantastic left-back".
* May 2017: BBC pundit Garth Crooks enthused: "Should Liverpool qualify for Champions League, I seriously suggest Jurgen Klopp pays whatever it takes to take Bertrand to Anfield. The player is in that class".
Last week, James Milner admitted that he's 'frustrated' at left-back, so now is the time to bring in a dedicated full-back to take over.
In my view, €25m-rated Bertrand fits the profile of the type of player Liverpool should try and sign this summer (experienced, consistent, mid-to-late 20s; entering prime years etc), but are Liverpool really going to raid Southampton *again*?
Plus, is Bertrand really much better than Nathaniel Clyne? Both are solid performers, but Clyne's suspect decision-making/game intelligence in the final third is often frustrating, and the same complaint can be levelled at Bertrand. Indeed, the defender's crossing accuracy this season (13%) is even worse than Clyne's, and that's saying something (!)
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