Liverpool will lose to Benfica in the race to sign a midfielder Jurgen Klopp has been 'bewitched', with Fabrizio Romano revealing full details of the move.
A midfield overhaul will take center stage at Anfield this summer. James Milner is set to join Brighton, while Naby Keita was made his debut as a Werder Bremen player on Friday.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will bring the number of free appearances to three. Elsewhere, Arthur Melo will return to Juventus once his loan expires and Liverpool will listen to permanent offers for Leighton Clarkson. Alexis Mac Allister was the first player to be compensated. According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Klopp has his eye on Feyenoord's Orkun Kokcu to become No.
Indeed, Klopp has been described as "charmed" by the 22-year-old Turkey international, who recently helped Feyenoord win their second Eredivisie title since the turn of the century.
The battle for Kokcu's signature is said to have taken place between Liverpool v Benfica. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool lost. Indeed, the transfer pundit tweeted that Benfica is "closer" to what is certain to be a stellar coup for Portugal's Primeira Liga.
Romano added that only "final details" need to be worked out before the official move crosses the line. However, the terms of the move have been revealed.
Romano said Benfica will pay Feyenoord 30 million euros and the Dutch side has successfully inserted a 20% sale clause.
Benfica added their own clause to protect their investment, with the release clause set at 120 million euros. A five-year contract until 2028 will be signed and a medical examination booked. Except for the late drama, Kokcu will go to Benfica, not Liverpool.
Liverpool find many alternatives
While missing Kokcu is a blow for Liverpool, they have plenty of other irons to fire.
Indeed, discussions about the signatures of French duo Khephren Thuram (Nice) and Manu Kone (Borussia Mönchengladbach) have already begun. Transfer Rumors Today reports that an oral agreement has been forged with Thuram. Both of these players were recently named in the list of 5 favorite midfielders at Anfield by Athletic Liverpool pundit James Pearce.
Others on the list are Romeo Lavia (Southampton), Ryan Gravenberch (Bayern Munich) and Gabri Veiga (Celta Vigo).
One player Liverpool are not pursuing - despite claims to the contrary in Spain - is Barcelona's Franck Kessie.
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