“To be clear”: Romano provides update on Liverpool’s pursuit of 23-year-old Euro winner

Liverpool not in the race for Manuel Locatelli insists Fabrizio Romano

According to reputed journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are not in the picture for the signing of Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

The 23-year-old has grown leaps and bounds since signing for Sassuolo from AC Milan in 2018, initially on loan, before making the transfer permanent. After enjoying a fine 2020/21 season with the Neroverdi, he also impressed at the UEFA Euro 2020 with champions Italy.

La Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia (h/t Liverpool Echo) claimed last week that Liverpool had entered the race for Locatelli, who is also being courted by both Arsenal and Juventus.

The Reds are in need of a new midfielder after Georginio Wijnaldum left the club upon the expiry of his contract, signing for Paris Saint-Germain. And while Locatelli would have been a good replacement, Romano has claimed that Liverpool are not in the race for the 23-year-old.

Instead, it is Juventus who could end up signing the Italian international, with vice-chairman Pavel Nedved (h/t Fabrizio Romano) hinting as much with his comments.

“We’re in talks with Sassuolo to sign Locatelli. We’re convinced we made the right bid to reach an agreement, we’re really confident to complete the deal as soon as possible.”

Romano’s update comes in complete contrast to what Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur claimed, who had stated on Saturday that Liverpool had already begun talks with Sassuolo over a move for Locatelli.

More Liverpool News:

• Transfer News: Liverpool handed boost in race for Manuel Locatelli
• Alisson Becker in advanced talks over a new Liverpool contract
• Transfer News: Leeds United make £30m bid for Liverpool target Adama Traore

With the season only a couple of weeks away, Liverpool would do well to wrap up their transfer business at the earliest possible to give the new arrivals time to settle in. A new central midfielder is a must for Jurgen Klopp & co. this summer, even if it is not Locatelli who ends up joining.