Jörg Schmadtke working on two shortlists for Liverpool’s dual transfer plan

Where are Liverpool’s transfers for potential midfield signings and centre-backs as Jorg Schmadtke takes charge

Such is the insatiable appetite for transfers, as soon as Alexis Mac Allister was announced as a Liverpool player the clamor for the next new face began.

And there’s no doubt that World Cup winner Argentina won’t be the latest signing, as Jurgen Klopp begins to step up his efforts to strengthen his squad after a hugely disappointing season.

Challenging time for the new sports director Jorg Schmadtke. While predecessor Julian Ward laid the groundwork for the arrival of Mac Allister, the move is now complete and Schmadtke now handles all inbound and outbound business.

Further strengthening of the midfield remains a priority, although Liverpool’s desire to freshen up their engine room has led to an open season in terms of connections between players, whether they are agents looking to raise their client’s profile or they are looking for a better contract with their current club .

However, not all of them are wrong. French duo Khephren Thuram of Nice and Manu Kone of Borussia Moenchengladbach – where Schmadtke’s son Nils was appointed sporting director last week – remain on the shortlist as Liverpool now look to set targets that are both desirable and achievable.

Ryan Gravenberch is another, although Bayern Munich did not appear willing to sell after only signing the Dutchman in the summer. All three are 22 years of age or younger.

Chelsea’s previous oversight of England international Conor Gallagher has so far gone no further.

With the imminent departures of James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, while aware of the need for homegrown talent, they won’t have too much influence over who Liverpool bring with Mason Mount now closing in on a move to Manchester United .

Interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Nunes has also waned in recent weeks.

And while Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes is a big fan, the recruitment team understands that a transfer from the Brazilian is almost certainly a failure.

Other positions in the team seem more closed. There is no indication from Liverpool that the desire to sign a right-back this summer is high, suggesting there is no real interest in Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard.

Only if Kostas Tsimikas leaves will a new left-back be considered, although Liverpool have been impressed with Luke Chambers’ loan spell at Kilmarnock, with the 18-year-old playing in five different positions.

The Reds also see no reason to further strengthen their offensive line, given that Cody Gakpo, who arrived in January, would have already replaced the departing Roberto Firmino.

The Reds also don’t want to block the progress of top-flight teenage right winger Ben Doak, who could be destined for minutes in domestic cups and the Europa League group stage next season.

With Adrian set to sign a contract extension, a new goalkeeper is also not on the agenda unless Caoimhin Kelleher pushes for a move elsewhere. He too can benefit from injury time in the first team in Europe.

But one area Liverpool are definitely looking to target is the centre-back, as Jurgen Klopp admitted last month.
It would be a bit of an exaggeration to say that the heart of the defense is a time bomb.

But with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip both in their thirties, the latter entering the final 12 months of his contract and Joe Gomez struggling for consistency in the position, it would be a proactive move by Liverpool, especially with one or both of Wet Phillips.

and Rhys Williams are likely to have suitors this summer. If not this summer, a new central defender will arrive in about 12 months.

A left sided centre-back is ideal and one with the potential to progress in the position.

England under-21 international Levi Colwill, who has returned to Chelsea after an impressive loan season at Brighton, would be a perfect fit and is admired by Liverpool’s recruitment squad.

However, the Reds have shown no official interest in Micky van de Ven, who plays for Schmadtke’s former club Wolfsburg at the moment. As with the midfielders, Liverpool are now looking to shorten their list of possible targets.

Schmadtke could still put his feet under the table at Liverpool. But there are clearly two clear objectives that he needs to achieve before the new season begins.