Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny believes Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is lining up 'incredible' AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as a replacement for Jordan Henderson.
The lowdown: Reds interested
Liverpool have been long since credited with an interest in the 22-year-old phenomenon and it appears that the speculation is ramping up as the summer window fast approaches.
There is likely to be fierce competition for the Frenchman's signature as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain compete for the capture.
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However, as Jurgen Klopp keeps one eye on the future whilst taking care of the here and now, Tchouameni has been earmarked to fill sizeable boots at Anfield...
The latest: Henderson replacement...
Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Leeds United stopper Kenny suggested that the French youngster could succeed captain Henderson in the Liverpool ranks after their own sources confirmed interest from Merseyside earlier this week.
The 43-year-old says Klopp is personally a huge fan of the 'incredible' talent.
“He’s already made 130-odd appearances at the top level so that’s incredible.
“Liverpool need to start thinking about this and for me, he fits the profile of a Henderson replacement. He’s been a brilliant servant for Liverpool but he can’t play forever. We have already seen him drop out of the starting XI a few times for big games this season.
“It’s only natural to look for a replacement and if you are going to spend £50million then this is your guy. If you are spending that much, Klopp clearly rates him. He will have big shoes to fill but someone has to do it.”
The verdict: Next-generation needed
Whilst there can be no undermining the success that the current crop of Liverpool stars have enjoyed, Klopp and new sporting director Julian Ward must have what happens next in mind.
Regular midfield trio Thiago, Henderson and Fabinho are all over 28 and at present are backed up by a 36-year-old James Milner and often injury-prone duo Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Adding the powerful French youngster to the likes of Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Fabio Carvalho would give the ranks a whole new complexion moving forward as the Reds attempt to topple Manchester City going forward.
Holding a likeness to Thiago as well as Real Madrid stalwart Casemiro and Arsenal ace Thomas Partey when using the FBref player comparison tool, Tchouameni - who captained France at the Under 18 level - looks to be ideally suited to strengthen the Liverpool midfield department.
In other news, French outlet drops Liverpool claim involving ‘unstoppable’ superstar. Read more here.