Liverpool’s search for a quality left-back continues this season, despite seeing James Milner perform brilliantly in the role. The former Manchester City man has been a rock for Liverpool but his illness and a subsequent appearance of Alberto Moreno against Crystal Palace again threw some questions on the strength of Liverpool’s squad.
Now, according to the reports from the Sun, Liverpool are on a hunt and have pointed out another Southampton man as a potential target.
Sam McQueen, who has made a couple of Premier League appearances this season, is a reported target for Jurgen Klopp and the youngster does fit the bill when it comes to the German signing players with potential.
McQueen only broke into the squad due to injuries to Ryan Bertrand (another Liverpool target from the past) and Matt Targett. The 21-year-old only has six senior appearances for the Saints and Liverpool could face stiff competition for the English defender.
Leicester are also reportedly looking to sign the player up and that could also work out in the favour of the Merseyside club as the Premier League champions could sell off Ben Chilwell. The young defender at Leicester has been a target for many Premier League clubs, Liverpool being one.
Another Saint in Merseyside
This does seem to be a recurring theme, Liverpool signing Southampton players. The Saints do have a great academy and the side has done very well despite losing out on their stars and managers on a constant basis.
Claude Puel has done a decent enough job for Southampton this season and his latest star did provide some insight about what he expects at the Premier League club.
“You just have to worry about what’s right in front of you, but I would hope that I would still stay with the first team and hopefully still get some game time,” the Liverpool target told the Southern Daily Echo.
“I need to try and impress as much as I can in the games that I get, so hopefully if I get any more chances I need to do my absolute best.
“I need to get forward as much as I can, defend well and do the things that the manager’s asked. I need to try and put myself in a position to be selected. It’s up to him [Puel], but I need to do everything I can to try and put myself forward.”
The left -back also stated that he wants to impress Puel and ensure he stays in the first XI for as long as possible.
“I’m very eager to [impress]. It’s tough when you’re not used to playing games so regularly. It’s all been new to me playing games every three days, with the 23s it’s not so regular. It’s been a challenge to make sure I’m ready physically. The desire to do it is what gets you through the physical pain almost. I’m doing everything I can to try and impress and to try and keep the manager’s mind.”
Should the Reds sign him up?
There has not been enough seen of the English defender to provide an accurate report. He has just played a couple of Premier League games this season and needs to be tested more. McQueen has to be of quality to get a chance in the Southampton team but he needs time under his belt and moving to Liverpool would just stunt his growth.
If the 21-year-old does stake a claim in the starting XI of the Premier League side after the return of Bertrand, then the Reds could think of signing him up but for now, they have better options in Moreno and Milner.
