Liverpool they now lead Manchester City in the race to sign the £317,000-work-rate star, with internal talks currently underway, according to reporter Tobi Altschäffl.
The Reds are looking for a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Anfield is still very much in question, as he emerged as Real Madrid’s top target in the summer transfer window and the Reds began looking at potential replacements.
Main target Arne Slottside is connected with is Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich, with reports from earlier this month suggesting they have already made contact with the Bundesliga side to discuss contract terms.
The German is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning he has attracted the attention of a number of top clubs, including Manchester City, and his manager Pep Guardiola is believed to be a big fan and City is reportedly becoming pole position for an appointment this week.
Kyle Walker is now ready to join AC Milan or Liverpool Premier League rivals may also have to bring in a new right-back at the end of the season, but there has been another twist, with the Merseysiders retaking the lead in the race for Kimmich’s signature.
Connected
Rousing The Kop reports the tweets of BILD journalist Tobi Altschäffle, who revealed The Reds are still discussing a move for right back internally. Man City, he claims, are no longer considering a move for the 29-year-old as they plan to rebuild their squad with younger players after a major drop in performance levels this season.
Altschäffl makes it clear that the most likely scenario is for the defender to sign a new deal to stay at the Allianz Arena, but should he decide to move on, Liverpool now appear to be the more likely destination than Manchester.
Kimmich is the best option to replace Trent
Hopefully Trent will turn down Madrid to commit his long-term future to his boyhood club, but if the 26-year-old does move to Spain, then the Bayern defender is most likely the best option to replace him.
The German international has a trophy-winning record, having won eight league titles and the Champions League with Bayern, and he also has plenty of experience at international level, amassing 97 caps for his country.
Praised as “sensational” by members of the media, £317k a week star would also be a versatile option for Sloto, given his ability to play in central midfield as well.
It will be difficult to find a player capable of matching Trent’s ability to pick out a pass, but there are signs that Kimmich is very confident in possession, having on average most assists per game by any player in Europe’s top five leagues, as of December 29.
As such, if Kimmich decides he wants a new challenge next season, Liverpool should make sure they are at the front of the queue for his signature.
