Liverpool’s need at the hour seems to be for a striker as Jurgen Klopp recently stated that their defence is alright but they don’t have many options in front. The manager was speaking after the 2-2 draw against West Ham and rued that they had no one to bring on due to a spate of injuries.
The Reds are however, linked with a move to Gregoire Defrel. The 25-year-old Serie A striker has made a name for himself by scoring eight goals and also providing a couple of assists in all competitions this season and the Express states that the Merseyside club had sent representatives to watch the Sassuolo star in action.
Liverpool isn’t the only club looking to sign the 25-year-old French star as the same paper has reported that West Ham are also looking to bring the star to London. The striker could cost either club as much as £20million and Defrel is signed up with the Serie A club till the 2020 season.
West Ham already brought someone from the Serie A this season in Simone Zaza but the former Juventus star has found it tough to adjust to the Premier League. Angelo Ogbonna has actually done pretty well since his move from Italy and now is a mainstay for the Hammers in defence.
Another option for Klopp and his attack
Liverpool certainly were without options in the 2-2 draw against West Ham. And their manager had already stated that he would be looking to sign a new player or two in the winter window. The Reds will be losing out Sadio Mane for the African Cup of Nations and there are a number of injuries to take into account.
Daniel Sturridge has been a regular player on the treatment table while Danny Ings has to be the unluckiest Liverpool striker in recent years as he is out with another long-term injury. That has only left Divock Origi as the recognised striker for the Merseyside club.
Philippe Coutinho, who had been in great form since the start of the season, was also stretchered off in the 2-0n win over Sunderland the Reds have struggled to find a replacement for the Brazilian. Coutinho though had stated that he is trying to return on New Year’s Eve to face Manchester City, which will be a huge boost for Klopp.
For the moment, Defrel does seem to be a bit of an unknown quantity and he isn’t the youngest player that the Reds have been linked with either. The French striker is known for his defensive contribution and ability to hold the ball but it needs to be seen if he can cut it in the tough Premier League world.
Spending £20million would get Klopp a decent German attacker from the Bundesliga and that is where the Liverpool manager could be looking at as he wants to strengthen the side for the second half of the Premier League campaign.
