Ex-manager thinks Liverpool have earmarked 22-year-old star as a ‘priority’

Alex McLeish believes Liverpool may already have Aurelien Tchouameni at the top of their transfer list

Ex-Premier League manager Alex McLeish told Football Insider (h/t Liverpool Echo) that he believes Liverpool may have already made Aurelien Tchouameni their priority transfer target for the summer.

The Reds have seen themselves get linked to the 22-year-old Ligue 1 midfielder, with Chelsea and Real Madrid also expressing interest. Liverpool haven’t signed a senior central midfielder ever since Georginio Wijnaldum left as a free agent for PSG.

During his time at Anfield, Klopp has transitioned two young wingers into central midfielders- with Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott now playing for us in that position. But given the lack of starts for the duo in recent months, it is clear Klopp wants to give them time before making them first-team regulars.

22-year-old Tchouameni may be young, but the Frenchman has shown maturity beyond his age. Possessing immense potential, he is a regular for AS Monaco under Philippe Clement and has featured for the senior France national team on several occasions.

A no-brainer for LFC

And McLeish, who managed clubs such as Birmingham City and Aston Villa during a long and illustrious career, believes the Reds are wise enough to already earmark the youngster as a priority signing this summer.

“I think they’ll have already have identified him as a priority. Knowing Liverpool, knowing the way that Klopp works, he’s a consummate professional.”

The Scottish icon also highlighted how covertly the Reds get their transfer business done. Those who follow LFC closely would recall how Fabinho was signed by the club without any long, drawn-out sagas in the tabloids leading up to it.

“We’ll see Liverpool making business when they want to make business. It won’t be on the back pages of the sports papers.”

It would certainly be interesting to see what the Reds do this summer. Manchester City have been imperious in the league this term and have now gone on and signed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund by triggering his release clause.

More Liverpool News

• Transfer News: Sadio Mane to stay at Liverpool if he gets a bumper new contract
• Transfer News: Steven Gerrard wants to sign Liverpool star Joe Gomez at Aston Villa this summer
• Jurgen Klopp gives seal of approval to Liverpool pursuing Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay

The Reds are still on the hunt for the quadruple but to maintain these levels, fresh signings are always advised in order to maintain healthy competition and ample squad depth- especially in cup games.