Ex-Liverpool ace Enrique says Reds have signed midfielder - "The player is ours"
Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has claimed that Bayern Munich ’s Ryan Gravenberch is on the brink of signing for Jurgen Klopp's side.
Klopp is keen to add to his midfield options next season; having endured a miserable campaign this year. The Merseysiders have struggled for a first-team partnership this season with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson struggling for form this term, while Thiago Alcantara's fitness remains questionable.
A number of options could also be set to leave sooner rather than later with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner all out of contract come the end of the season. Indeed, the Reds could be set for major investment in the heart of midfield and appear to have sealed their first summer signing - according to Enrique anyway.
Talking on a livestream, the Spaniard was asked about Bayern star Gravenberch and replied: “This player is ours, amigo… He said ‘yeah’.”
He then explained that the pair share representatives and suggested that talks had already taken place. "It’s the same agent as me, team Raiola,” Enrique added. “We had a meeting not long ago in London, this is our player.”
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dashBefore he could explain any further, the former Liverpool man was then cut off by his fellow host who said: “Be careful, you’re on live!”
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Despite Enrique's claims, a deal has yet to be confirmed by either Liverpool or Bayern regarding Gravenberch. The Dutchman, 20, only arrived in Bavaria at the start of the season from Ajax.
Since then, he has really struggled to make an impression for the German giants. He has made 24 appearances for Bayern this season - only four of those being starts - with just one goal to his name so far.
A deal for Gravenberch may not be cheap however. Bayern only signed the midfielder for €25m (£21.9m) in the summer and he put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Allianz Arena.
Liverpool’s interest in the Dutchman was initially reported last month by German outlet Sport1. Whilst he could be an option for the Reds in the summer, there are also a number of midfielders that could be considered by Liverpool - none least fellow Bundesliga star Jude Bellingham.
They will however face plenty of competition for the Englishman’s services with Manchester United and Real Madrid both thought to be interested.
Ahead of any transfer, the Reds have been handed a brutal blow in relation to one of their young midfielders after Stefan Bajcetic was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a thigh injury. He had enjoyed a very promising breakout campaign for Liverpool with 19 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal.