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Liverpool Favourites To Sign Defensive Midfielder On Top Of Keita Signing

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By Patrick Rees

Adding further exhilaration to their already ecstatic transfer window, a report from Bild (h/t TalkSport) has suggested that Liverpool have, out of the blue, become the favourites to land Bayern Munich’s Renato Sanches.

Since rejecting Manchester United and joining Bayern Munich back in 2016, the young Portuguese prodigy has endured a difficult time. Falling way down the pecking order following the arrival of Corentin Tolisso, Sanches’ first-team action will be next to nil this season.

Bayern Munich, on their part, were initially reluctant to lose Sanches, but then settled down to the fact that he needs to leave for regular first team action. Back in July, Bayern CEO Rummenigge admitted that a permanent transfer would be considered only if a right offer came.

“He [Renato Sanches] won’t have lot of game [time] next season and we are open to discuss his possible sale,” Rummenigge was quoted by Metro.

In the midst, he revealed that any club willing to land the Portuguese will have to fork out at least €48 million for his signature. Later in the same month, Bayern changed their stance and Rummenigge was quoted by ESPN as saying,

“We would send him out on loan for maximum one year because we are convinced he can become a good and useful Bayern player.”

Throughout the window, Sanches has been attracting a lot of interest and AC Milan, in particular, were credited with a strong regard, but to no effect. Besides Milan, Rummenigge also confirmed that Antonio Conte “asked for some information about Sanches”. And finally, the picture has been made clear by Carlo Ancelotti after he confirmed that if Sanches wants, he can leave the club.

“Renato is in good condition at the moment,” Ancelotti was quoted by ESPN. “He knows his position with the team; he knows there’s lots of competition. If he stays I’ll be pleased, and if he decides to leave, that’s OK — no problem.”

Earlier, The Times reported that Swansea were planning to make an audacious bid for the Portuguese but it is quite certain that they won’t be matching Bayern’s asking price. However, Paul Clement’s relationship with Carlo Ancelotti might prove out to be a telling factor in the deal.

Liverpool, on their part, have already completed the signing of Naby Keita for a club-record fee, but the 22-year-old will only join the Reds at the end of current season. Having said that, the fact that there is Champions League football to play for, Klopp might well look to add more depth to his ranks, hence, at least a loan move for Sanches can be expected.

Having a good degree of Champions League experience, Sanches will no doubt be a great addition for Liverpool, at least for the current season.

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