Transfer Talk: Five stars who could revamp Klopp's Reds this summer

Liverpool look set to embark on a major rebuilding project over the summer after a campaign that continues to disappoint. 

The Reds have failed to defend their two domestic cup wins from last season, look set to exit the Champions League imminently and are way off the pace in the Premier League. 

After their 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s team find themselves 7th in the English top flight, nine points adrift of a top-four position. 

Ahead of their midweek meeting with a Wolves side that beat them 3-0 in February, we take a look at the potential arrivals that could transform their squad. 

Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)

One area where Liverpool are struggling is at centre-back. Virgil van Dijk has looked far from his impervious best, while Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have fallen below the required standard.

Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate has suffered from ongoing injury problems and has only managed to play five Premier League games this season. 

Klopp needs at least one central defender and arguably two. The dream signing would be RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, who was one of the standout players at the World Cup and has already named Anfield as his "dream" destination.

Competition for the Croatian will be fierce. Other centre-backs that have been linked include Wolves’ Max Kilman and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka, who will be a free agent in the summer. 

Tino Livramento (Southampton)

The other problem position in the back four for Klopp is at right-back, where Trent Alexander-Arnold has often proved to be a defensive liability this season. 

With the England international arguably the best full-back in the world from an attacking perspective, the club will hope that he can recapture his form. 

Signing some competition would nevertheless seem prudent. Struggling Southampton could provide some affordable solutions, with Tino Livramento being particularly highly rated. 

The 20-year-old would represent a risk as he has been sidelined since last April with a knee injury. 

His Saints team-mate Kyle Walker-Peters made his England debut last year and could be a sensible alternative. 

Mason Mount (Chelsea)

The contracts of midfielders Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all expire in the summer. Thiago and Fabinho have also been linked with transfers away from Merseyside.

One top quality replacement that could be available at a bargain price is Mason Mount. 

The Chelsea star has so far failed to reach an agreement on a new contract and may leave the West Londoners. 

The Reds — alongside Manchester City and Manchester United — are said to be interested in signing the 24-year-old, should he become available at the end of the season. 

Mount’s work ethic could make him a natural heir to Milner. He is the sort of player that fans can underrate, yet is beloved by managers. 

Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)

Another England international who has been long linked with a move to Anfield is Jude Bellingham. 

It is likely that the Borussia Dortmund ace will be Klopp’s number one transfer target, though there seems sure to be other clubs equally keen to sign the 19-year-old prodigy. 

The major worry for Liverpool is that if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, it could be hard to persuade Bellingham to join. 

With Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid all said to be interested, a bidding war could ensue. Dortmund are reported to value the youngster at £130million. 

Nicolo Barella

If Liverpool fail to land Bellingham then a cheaper alternative for which they will face less competition will be surely be sought. 

One player who would appear to fit the bill perfectly, would be the Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella, who is rated at £70m.

The 26-year-old Italy international was part of the victorious Euro 2020 squad. 

When Liverpool faced Inter in the Champions League last season, Klopp revealed himself to be a major fan. 

Klopp said of Barella: "He has all the things you want from a midfield player: he is aggressive, he is technical, he can run for ages and all these kinds of things. That's a top-class player."