Liverpool have launched a move for Lecce wonderkid Patrick Dorgu, according to claims in Italy.
The Dane is lined up as a replacement for Andy Robertson. Robertson was a mainstay of the Reds' success under Jurgen Klopp, winning the Premier League and Champions League. But he has had a difficult time since Klopp was replaced by Arne Slot in the summer.
Since being sent off against Fulham in December, Robertson has completed just two 90 minutes in all competitions. He did start against Nottingham Forest, but was taken off to be replaced by Kostas Tsimikas with the Reds trailing 1-0.
Tsimikas then delivered a perfect corner for Diogo Jota to equalize. To increase the pressure on Robertson even further, Liverpool are now taking strong steps to increase their options at left-back.
According to Solo Lecce, Dorgu is the Reds' main target this month. The Premier League leaders are now said to be preparing a £33.6million bid for the 20-year-old defender. It is claimed that the deal would be 'the most important future capital gain of all time' for Serie A club Lecce. Liverpool bosses are said to have kept a close eye on Dorgu, with the club sending scouts to monitor him on four occasions.
Liverpool will face competition from Napoli for his signature, and Antonio Conte is keen on him. Lecce now expects an auction for him to be 'hot', although Napoli are unlikely to match Liverpool's purchasing power.
Dorgu has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and recording one assist. Although he mainly played as a left back, the Dane was also deployed on both wings and right back.
The Reds' pursuit of Dorgu comes after Robertson was warned he is no longer a 'key player' for Slot. Former Liverpool star Dietmar Hamann believes the Scotland captain does not suit Slot's style.
“Andy Robertson got a red card and a few fouls but I think he was just a bit unlucky. Sometimes the ball doesn't bounce your way and that doesn't mean you're not an exceptional player,” Hamann said. “We know how good he is going forward and that's what he likes to do, I think he is.” still reasonable, although there are much better players defensively.
“I think the system makes it a bit more difficult for Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but what we have seen is Konstantinos Tsimikas playing, so Arne Slot doesn't see Robertson as one of his most important players.”
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