Jurgen Klopp has identified Bournemouth star Lewis Cook as a possible replacement for Emre Can, according to Daily Mail.
Can is widely expected to leave us at the end of the season and while he has been linked with moves to Manchester City and Real Madrid, it is Juventus who are the favourites to sign him. Even though Can has been a key player for us this season, he is widely expected to leave us as he has refused to sign a new contract.
We have reportedly sent scouts to monitor the performances of Cook and they have been impressed with what they have seen. Cook also impressed by helping England to victory during the Under-20 world cup in South Korea last year and in the process, he became the first England captain to lift a trophy since Bobby Moore in 1966.
We could launch a bid of around £20million for Cook during the summer, which is a bargain by today’s standards. Cook has been a star performer for the Cherries this season and was rewarded for his displays with a call-up to the England national team by Gareth Southgate in November.
The midfielder has just two years remaining on his current deal with Eddie Howe’s side. Cook is one of the most promising young English talents and he would be a good buy. So far this season, the 21-year-old has gone on to play 22 games in all competitions for the Cherries, contributing one assist in the process.
While he may not have an immediate impact upon joining us, he could develop into a world-class midfielder and could be a leader in the future. He is also likely to be tempted to join us as we are a club that could offer him the chance to play in the Champions League and challenge for major trophies.