LIVERPOOL are chasing defensive duo Jamal Lewis and Aissa Mandi, according to reports.
The Reds romped to last year’s title, finishing 18 points ahead of runners-up Manchester City.
Jamal Lewis impressed on occasion at Carrow Road last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Aissa Mandi has been a commanding figure at the back for Real BetisCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But boss Jurgen Klopp has pinpointed areas of relative weakness in his squad, and will prioritise these positions in what will be a relatively quiet summer.
Liverpool hope to sign a left-back that can compete with Andrew Robertson, having had to deploy veteran midfielder James Milner in that position at times last season.
Klopp would also like to sign another central defender, having sold Dejan Lovren to Zenit St Petersburg for £10.9million.
According to the Mirror, Norwich’s Jamal Lewis fits the bill at left-back, with the Reds lining up a £10m bid for the relegated star.
Despite the Canaries’ desperate season Lewis, 22, showed signs of promise – impressing Liverpool’s analytics team enough to make him a strong target.
Norwich are interested in the Reds’ academy left-back Yasser Larouci, who appeared twice for Klopp in the FA Cup this season.
And his signing could soften the blow of losing Lewis for Norwich boss Daniel Farke.
Despite his tender years, Lewis has made 100 appearances for Norwich, including 28 in the Premier League.
As for centre-back targets, Klopp is looking hard at Real Betis star Aissa Mandi.
BeinSports claim that the deal is close, with the Reds having lodged a £9m bid.
Betis do not want to lose Mandi, 28, but the Algerian has just a year remaining on his contract and wants to move to Liverpool – putting his current club in a tricky position.
Mandi has been a regular at Betis since signing from Stade Reims in 2016, making 141 appearances for the LaLiga side.
He has captained Los Verdiblancos on occasion and could offer credible competition for Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as to who partners Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence.
Dejan Lovren was allowed to depart for Zenit St PetersburgCredit: Reuters
Klopp is also considering back-up plans in defence, however.
Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly is on their radar, having featured towards the back end of the 2019-20 campaign.
And Brighton’s Ben White, having impressed so much on loan at Leeds United, could also be on their wishlist.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
