Manchester United and Liverpool both face a major challenge in the months ahead to land a top-four spot and qualify for the Champions League, with the Red Devils currently trailing in that race.
United have a bolstering squad but there is still room for upgrades, whilst Liverpool’s side looks lacking when compared to their Premier League rivals and they risk slipping down the table in the second-half of the campaign.
Our landlord is quite surprised to see neither side making a splash in the transfer market this month and the fans in the Transfer Tavern agree, as they’re desperate to see some new recruits brought in before Tuesday’s deadline.
Sat at the bar, they’ve drafted a list of three targets they believe would be a good fit for both sides and it’s easy to see where they’re coming from, as each of these players would provide a big boost to the squad.
Virgil Van Dijk
The Dutch defender has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, an area where both Liverpool and Manchester United could do with improvements. As such, swooping for the Southampton man would be ideal.
Still only 25, Van Dijk has the potential to excel further in the coming years and a host of clubs will be linked with his services. The Dutch international is currently injured for the next three months but starting an approach now for a summer swoop could give them a head start.
Leon Bailey
The 19-year-old winger is one of the most exciting talents in European football and a host of top sides have been linked to the Genk man. Whilst both Liverpool and Manchester United are well stocked in this area, a player of Bailey’s ability shouldn’t be ignored.
Jurgen Klopp would be able to get the best out of Leon Bailey at Anfield and, whilst Jose Mourinho’s record with youngsters may be off-putting, playing with the likes of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic will certainly help the teenager’s development.
Julian Brandt
Another winger for both sides to consider is Bayer Leverkusen’s 20-year-old ace Julian Brandt, who has established himself at both club level and for the German national side- having represented every youth level for the national team from U15 upwards.
Tipped to be a superstar, United and Liverpool could both craft Brandt into a top-class player. He’d certainly consider a move despite Bayer Leverkusen’s consistent appearances in the Champions League, as both sides would be a step-up.
