Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Thomas Vermaelen and Ruben Neves

Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking to shore up his midfield this summer and the Porto midfielder Ruben Neves is a target.

The 19 year old defensive midfielder has been a first team regular for the Portuguese outfit and has already captained his club a few times. He has managed 75 appearances for Porto in the last two seasons and that is significant experience for a player of his age.

Klopp wants to add some steel to his midfield and Ruben Neves could provide a defensive shield and a combative presence alongside the German international Emre Can.

The Reds have also been linked with the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud.

Portuguese outlet DN Sports are claiming that the player’s agent Jorge Mendes is trying to negotiate a transfer for his client this summer and the Portuguese side are looking for a fee of around 20 million Euros.

Neves has been a long term target for Liverpool and the Portuguese publication add that Jurgen Klopp is a fan of the player.

For a club with Liverpool’s resources, 20 million Euros is quite manageable and if they get rid of Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen, a move for Neves cannot be ruled out.

Thomas Vermaelen

In other news, Barcelona centre back Thomas Vermaelen is considering an offer from Liverpool.

The Belgian defender is set to leave the Catalan giants this summer and has a number of offers from the likes of West Ham, Inter Milan, Napoli, Besiktas as well.

Mundo Deportivo claim that Liverpool have already submitted an offer and the player is considering it along with the other offers he has received.

Barcelona are apparently demanding a fee of 10 million Euros for the former Arsenal man according to Sport. His Barcelona career has been blighted with injuries and he managed just 11 appearances for Luis Enrique’s side in two years.

Vermaelen could be a replacement for Kolo Toure, who has been released by Liverpool this summer. The Belgian could be a great option for cup games and could mentor the likes of Joe Gomez.

Furthermore, he could be a temporary option at the back if Mamadou Sakho fails to escape the UEFA ban. The French defender is still waiting on a decision from UEFA regarding his use of a banned substance before the Europa League clash against Manchester United last season.

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