Lille's Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba in action with RC Lens' Alexis Claude Maurice
Liverpool could reportedly sign exciting young midfielder Carlos Baleba from Lille this summer.
The Lowdown: Bellingham the top target…
It is no secret that Liverpool want to sign Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham this summer, with recent reports claiming that they are confident that they can get a deal done.
However, a deal would be very difficult to do if they do not qualify for the UEFA Champions League for next season, with them 5-2 down from the first leg of their last-16 clash against Real Madrid, and on the brink of potentially missing out in terms of league position.
The Latest: Baleba scouted
Writing in his latest column for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that the Reds are among a number of sides that have scouted Baleba in recent months, ahead of making a potential summer offer.
AC Milan, Juventus, Nice, Monaco, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Leicester City are also thought to be in the race for his signature, and Lille could demand a fee in excess of £30m, similar to when they sold Amadou Onana to Everton for that price last summer.
The Verdict: Midfield reinforcements needed
Liverpool’s midfield has been criticised all season for being overrun and not showing the energy and legs that they have done in previous campaigns.
They currently have three midfielders over 30 in James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago, while Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, on top of Milner, are all out of contract in the summer.
At just 19 years of age, Baleba would offer younger and fresher legs in the middle of the park, and has already played 12 times for Lille’s senior team this term.
Nonetheless, alongside Bellingham, this would be a smart signing for the future, as well as for the squad next term.
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