Liverpool consider reigniting transfer interest in Cheick Doucoure alternative

29 August 2023 , 22:01

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Liverpool could move for an alternative to Cheick Doucoure (Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool are weighing up a move for Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi - five years after first showing interest in the player.

Jurgen Klopp is scrambling to get more signings over the line before the transfer window closes on Friday, and his targeting a boost to his midfield options. But a move for Crystal Palace star Cheick Doucoure has been scuppered by the £70 million asking price.

There have also been links to a move for Bayern Munich player Ryan Gravenberch, but the Reds face competition from Man United for his signature. Not bringing in any more new arrivals is seemingly not an option for Klopp, following the departure of six first-team players this summer.

And according to the Independent, the German boss is poised to reignite his interest in Ndidi. The Nigerian has made 243 appearances for the Foxes since joining from Genk in 2016, and has started the Championship season in good form following Premier League relegation.

Leicester are reportedly open to doing business in the final three days of the window, and Ndidi is unlikely to command the same fee as Doucoure.

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Back in 2018, Klopp expressed an interest in the 26-year-old, as he looked to spend the funds raised by the sale of Philippe Coutinho. Despite Ndidi's impressive performances though, a bid never materialised.

Ndidi's current deal runs out in June 2024, which may well exacerbate any desire Leicester to have sell. If the star stays in the Midlands, he could potentially leave on a free next summer.

Wilfred Ndidi was relegated with Leicester las season (CameraSport via Getty Images)

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But Leicester manager Enzo Maresca will also view Ndidi as a crucial figure in his side's bid to bounce back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. The former Man City coach has won his first four league games in charge, with his side sitting top of the table.

Whether to move for Ndidi is far from the only conundrum facing Klopp this week though. He's moved to fend off speculation over the future of Mo Salah amid interest from Saudi side Al-Ittihad.

Salah himself has been tight-lipped over his future, but is set to be offered an eye-watering contract that would see him surpass the wages being earned by Cristiano Ronaldo. That saga could run beyond Friday though, with the Saudi transfer window not closing until September 7.

Fraser Watson