Journo: Liverpool ‘discussed’ potential transfer for 25-year-old who has been compared to Man Utd ace

According to Ben Jacobs, the Liverpool hierarchy have “discussed” a possible move for a Premier League midfielder  within the confines of Anfield.

It was in the final week of last summer’s transfer window that the Reds made an unsuccessful £20m bid for Douglas Luiz (Matheus Leal, via Liverpool Echo), and the Aston Villa boss looks set to stay a player of interest to Jurgen Klopp and co.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the reporter said the 25-year-old was being “discussed internally” by LFC powerbrokers, although no visible action was taken to land the player.

Jacobs stressed: “Douglas Luiz is a name that has been discussed internally at Liverpool. At the moment I am not aware of any movement. I think it’s clear that Liverpool want to add by the end of the window when the real name is available.”

The reporter added: “I also think from Liverpool’s perspective, by unsuccessfully betting the £111m on Moises Caicedo, they have sent the message to the market that they have a lot of money to spend.”

“That could mean they will have to pay over their quota if they want a last-minute goal because there is an urgent need to get a deal with Liverpool. Everyone knows now that they have the financial wherewithal. ”

Whatever Liverpool’s hopes of signing Luiz for £20m this time last year, for a player described by Brazilian media as his side’s version of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro (Samba Foot ), such a transfer fee would certainly not be successful.

The 25-year-old played a crucial role as Villa climbed the Premier League table, securing seventh place and qualifying for the Europa League Conference. Showing his importance to the team, he earned the second highest WhoScored rating under Unai Emery’s team.

Despite alternating between a central and defensive midfield role, he finished the season with a healthy return of six goals and six assists in the top flight alone, eclipsing the performance of any midfielder at Anfield. in the 2022/23 season (WhoScored). Liverpool know their qualities thanks to their outstanding performance against us towards the end of last season, winning three tackles, five duels, creating two wide chances, having a 100% success rate in dribbling and Jacob assisting Ramsey’s goal in the draw 1-1 (Sofascore). .

It would be a bargain to steal Villa for Luiz this week, especially if they face our opponent next Sunday, but the Reds will be fully aware that it would take a massive offer for Emery’s side to even consider. the idea of ​​a 25-year sale for us.

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Jurgen Klopp intervenes as angry Virgil van Dijk ‘insults’ officials over Liverpool red

Virgil van Dijk was sent off in a nightmarish first half for Liverpool against Newcastle.

Jurgen Klopp stepped in by seemingly pushing Virgil van Dijk through the tunnel after the Liverpool defender was sent off against Newcastle. Van Dijk has been sacked for the first time in his Reds career after bringing down Aleksandar Isak to deny a clear scoring chance.

The Dutchman was visibly angry with the decision and it took him some time before he walked off the pitch. He continued to yell at referee John Brooks, with Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville implying he was “insulting” the referee. Van Dijk eventually made his way to the touchline and continued yelling at the fourth official, sounding like he was cursing in his face. Liverpool manager Klopp then appeared to step in to prevent his experienced star from getting into further trouble.

Klopp gently nudged Van Dijk through the tunnel and away from the scene, where the defender clearly wanted to continue arguing his case against the fourth official. The German then continued to protest with the agents, risking being reprimanded.

Van Dijk’s red card came as part of a chaotic first half for Liverpool at St. James’ Park. Fellow defender Trent Alexander-Arnold narrowly escaped sending off in the opening six minutes.

The England defender was booked after three minutes for throwing the ball away after a decision he didn’t like – now considered a mandatory yellow card under guidelines given to referees at the start of the season. Moments later, the right-back cynically brought down Anthony Gordon.

Umpire Brooks only let an embarrassed Alexander-Arnold get away with a warning. But it was the English ace’s mistake that led Newcastle to open the scoring midway through the first half. Mohamed Salah’s poor pass proved too much for Alexander-Arnold to control, allowing Gordon to escape on goal. The former Everton winger coolly passed Alisson.

Newcastle then had the chance to make it 2-0. Isak collected Gordon’s pass and appeared to be one-on-one with Alisson, only for Van Dijk to bring down the Swede savagely.

Brooks had no choice but to show the 32-year-old the red card. Van Dijk will miss the match between Liverpool and Aston Villa next weekend, but his apparent abuse of the referee and fourth official could cost him an extended suspension.

Speaking of Sky’s match commentary, ex-Manchester United defender Neville said: ‘Now he’s abusing the referee. You just have to take your medicines and leave the pitch. We’ve all been there.’