Liverpool is reportedly interested in Assan Ouédraogo, who's been compared to Reds icon Xabi Alonso. Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappé could help Jürgen Klopp sign an exciting Real Madrid star if the Frenchman moves to the Bernabéu.
Liverpool 'wants new Alonso'
Liverpool 'likes' Schalke midfielder Assan Ouédraogo, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports in his daily briefing. The Reds have apparently carried out some initial groundwork on the signing and are 'informed on his situation'.
However, they could face competition from two European giants in the form of Bayern Munich and AC Milan. Ouédraogo's contract is said to contain multiple release clauses, with the price dependent on the identity of the interested club.
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The 17-year-old midfielder has started seven of Schalke's first 10 matches in the German second tier, having only made his full debut in the season opener at the end of July. At international level, he's been capped for Germany's under-17 side.
The official Bundesliga website has likened him to Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern legend Xabi Alonso in his ability to 'drop deep and build attacks'. He's also compared to Chelsea great Michael Essien because of his 'explosive pace and power'.
Mbappé could help grant Klopp 'request'
Jürgen Klopp has identified Real Madrid winger Rodrygo as a candidate to replace Mohamed Salah, according to Eduardo Inda (via Diario Madridista). The Real hierarchy 'loves' Rodrygo, but he could leave if Los Blancos is able to capture Kylian Mbappé in the summer.
Salah was subject to an unsuccessful $182m (£150m/€171m) bid from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad on the final day of the transfer window and that interest is expected to be renewed (via Sky Sports). Should the Egyptian depart, Klopp believes Rodrygo would be a worthy successor.
The Brazilian has started 11 of Real's first 13 games in all competitions but could be sacrificed if Mbappé arrives. The French superstar is out of contract at PSG at the end of the season, and has already said he won't activate his player option for a further year.
Real signed Rodrygo from Santos in 2019 and he's gone on to score 39 goals and provide 33 assists in 178 appearances, including a last-gasp double to force extra time in the 2022 Champions League semi-final against Manchester City. That helped to set up a meeting with Liverpool in the final, where Real won 1-0, with Rodrygo coming on from the bench in stoppage time.
The 22-year-old is capable of playing center-forward or on the right wing. Carlo Ancelotti has favored him through the middle, but Rodrygo has said he prefers operating on the flanks (via AS).