Two alternatives to Liverpool targets Virgil van Dijk and Naby Keita

Alex Broun 22:08 25/07/2017
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  • Two players who have proved utterly elusive for Liverpool this summer despite their best efforts are Virgil van Dijk and Naby Keita.

    The Southampton defender is clearly open to a move away from St. Mary’s and has been left to train alone at the club as well. However, Liverpool have already been burned once and will only return with a bid for the centre-back upon invitation.

    Meanwhile, RB Leipzig have slapped back bids in the region of £65-70 million for Keita.

    With Liverpool’s resolve being tested on both fronts, here’s a look at who they could opt for instead of the aforementioned targets.

    Alternatives for Naby Keita

    WILLIAM CARVALHO (SPORTING LISBON)

    A long-time Arsenal target, the 25-year-old defensive midfielder is very much in the Naby Keita mould.

    He made his international debut in 2013 and played in the 2014 World Cup before helping Portugal win Euro 2016, including 120 minutes in the win over France in extra-time in the final. He was also part of Portugal’s Confederation Cup squad this summer

    Currently under contract at Sporting until 2020 he has a release clause set at €45 million. Newcastle and West Brom are also interested, with Baggies boss Tony Pulis admitting that he went on a personal scouting mission to see him in action.

    William Carvalho

    William Carvalho

    RENATO SANCHES (BAYERN MUNICH)

    The Portugal midfielder, 19, claims he is not happy with his first season at Bayern Munich and wants a change sooner rather than later. He’s the sort of young talent Klopp loves to mould.

    After an impressive Euro 2016 he was signed by the German giants but underperformed noticeably last term.

    A long-term target of Manchester United, Sanches has openly stated he wants to move on: “Personally, I am not satisfied with my first year in Munich.

    “Of course, I’d like to play more. That’s why I would like to change and go to a club that can give me more minutes.”

    Sanches also said he would consider a move to big spending AC Milan: “AC Milan is an interesting option. If the opportunity arises and the clubs can agree, I would like to see them.

    Sanches is set to star in the Bundesliga next term.

    Renato Sanches.

    Alternatives for Virgil van Dijk

    STEFAN DE VRIJ (LAZIO)

    The 25-year-old Dutch central defender has impressed for Lazio in Serie A and the Netherlands national team, where he occasionally plays alongside Van Dijk.

    He began at Feyenoord when just 17 before joining Lazio in July 2014. A full international since 2012, De Vrij has earned over 30 caps for the Netherlands, van Dijk has just 12.

    He was a vital cog of the Dutch team which finished third at the 2014 World Cup, and was selected for the Team of the Tournament.

    De Vrij is a polished performer ready to slot in alongside Joel Matip.

    Stefan de Vrij.

    Stefan de Vrij.

    KALIDOU KOULIBALY (NAPOLI)

    Once the subject of ridicule in Italy the 25-year-old has come of age. Under head coach Maurizio Sarri the Senegalese stopper has turned his game around and is even compared to Serie A legend Lilian Thuram.

    A nightmare opponent for strikers due to his intimidating presence, he is calm and confident in possession. Just like Matip and Reds legend Sami Hypia, it is relatively common to see him carrying the ball forward from the back.

    Arguably on the same level as Van Dijk, Napoli would demand a fortune to part ways with him. Yet if the Reds are prepared to spend big on the Dutchman, they should do the same for Naples’ man mountain.

    Kalidou Koulibaly.

    Kalidou Koulibaly.

    Wildcard

    Last season Liverpool’s title hopes were cruelled by their inability to break down teams mid-table and below. They were desperately missing an X-Factor. Some of that X-Factor looked to have arrived in the impressive Mohamed Salah but Klopp may still decide he needs a double helping.

    KARIM BENZEMA (REAL MADRID)

    It’s unlikely Klopp will buy a striker, already with a number of options upfront, but Benzema has been linked with the Reds before. Real Madrid’s No.9 is one of the best strikers in Europe with huge experience and numerous titles throughout his career.

    The 29-year-old French striker made 48 appearances last season and scored 19 goals across all competitions combined with nine assists. It was a tally somewhat lower than he has produced over the last few seasons but still a decent return nonetheless.

    Ever since he moved to Madrid from Lyon in 2009 for €35m, Benzema has been the main striking force for Los Blancos, making a total of 365 appearances for the club, scoring 181 goals and making 103 assists.

    Karim Benzema

    Karim Benzema

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