Transfer Talk: Klopp's summer wishlist as Reds target rebuild

Liverpool were dragged back down to earth by Manchester City on Saturday after finding themselves 1-0 up at the Etihad.

The Premier League champions turned on the style in the second half and dealt a huge blow to the Reds' Champions League hopes as they ran away 4-1 winners.

It was a reality check for Jurgen Klopp, who has admitted that a rebuild is needed if Liverpool are to compete at the top level once again.

Ahead of their trip to Chelsea on Tuesday night, we take a look at some of the top targets for the Merseysiders as the summer transfer window approaches.

Jude Bellingham

The midfield is a key area for Liverpool but they currently lack star quality with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho often lining up as starters.

Thiago appears unreliable with his evergrowing list of injury concerns and Harvey Elliott is not yet seasoned enough to have a real impact in the Premier League.

Jude Bellingham is a name that has been linked for over a year and Liverpool would be acquiring a world-class talent who is thriving in the Bundesliga if they can get a deal over the line.

The 19-year-old stood out for England at the World Cup in Qatar and has provided 10 goals and six assists for Borussia Dortmund in all competitions this season.

Josko Gvardiol

Josko Gvardiol may have suffered a hammering against City in the Champions League recently but is another talent who has the ability to dominate at the top level for years to come.

The RB Leipzig centre-back has already earned 21 caps for Croatia and is a key part of the third-best defence in the Bundesliga.

Born in Zagreb, the 6ft powerhouse helped guide his country to third place in Qatar and would provide stability and longevity to Liverpool's defence.

Mason Mount

Mason Mount may not be enjoying his best season at Chelsea but a change of scenery could help the Englishman get back to top form.

Liverpool have not struggled to score in the 2022-23 campaign, although they have become more predictable since they lost Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich.

Mount is capable of playing in a more advanced role or as a wide man if needed — his versatile nature would be welcomed by Klopp.

The Englishman's future at Stamford Bridge remains unclear as the Blues look for another new manager but Liverpool's interest may turn his head and his contract is up at the end of next season.

Antonio Silva

Antonio Silva may be a cheaper alternative to Gvardiol and his rapid rise at Benfica has put other European giants on red alert.

The 19-year-old has helped the Eagles keep 15 clean sheets in the Primeira Liga this season and is also staking his claim for a place in Portugal's national side.

Benfica's latest academy talent may be the missing piece that can help sure up Liverpool's leaky backline.

Adrien Rabiot

Juventus and France midfielder Adrien Rabiot is set to become a free agent in the summer and has previously expressed a desire to play in the Premier League.

And with Liverpool's priority to strengthen in the middle of the park, it would make sense to see the 36-cap international linked with a move to Merseyside.

The six-time Ligue 1 winner featured heavily for Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Italy and is looking to add to his CV after impressing in Qatar.

His range of passing and dribbling ability makes him the perfect candidate to replace Naby Keita, who has been a disappointment for the Reds since arriving in 2018.