Transfer Talk: Klopp wants to add Aguerd to Reds rearguard

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants West Ham centre-back Nayef Aguerd to lead his defensive rebuild next year.

The Reds will target reinforcements at the back after focusing on the midfield in this summer's transfer window.

Reports from The Sun claim Liverpool are keen to sound out a potential move for Aguerd, who was part of the Hammers' Europa Conference League-winning side last term.

But they may face competition from Manchester City who are also believed to be looking at the Moroccan. 

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a mixed start to the 2023-24 campaign after scoring against Chelsea in a 3-1 win before being sent off in the same game.

He arrived at the London Stadium from Rennes in a £30million deal last summer and has since become one of the first names on the team sheet for David Moyes.

And with the likes of Joel Matip and Joe Gomez not being up to the same standards as Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, it would not be surprising to see a top-class defender arrive at Anfield.

While City's interest is firm, they have a less pressing need to sign another defender after bringing in Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig, which may allow Anfield chiefs to pounce on a deal.

In other news

Caught Offside reveal Inter Milan rejected approaches from Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle for midfielder Nicolo Barella this summer.

Marca suggest Real Madrid are keen to move for Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies. 

Aston Villa are interested in Spanish attacker Alex Baena from Unai Emery's old club Villarreal, according to reports in Spain.