Tuttomercato reports have been picked up by Metro and a number of other English media outlets which claim that Moussa Sissoko is definitely on our shortlist.
The French powerhouse is rangy, talented and physically exceptional, but was let down by his Newcastle team-mates during the 2014/15 season.
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The 25-year-old is available for £17.1m, says the reports, and in truth, Sissoko really should be playing for a better side. He carried the Magpies at times last term, although his inconsistency has so far stopped him from signing for a really top club.
He has plenty of attributes though that could help him become one of the Premier League’s most effective midfielders.
Sissoko’s energy and dynamism is outstanding, and he provides a box-to-box influence for the entirety of the 90 minutes when he’s on song. He can break up opposition play, by bounding forward and contributing offensively. Newcastle occasionally used him wide, but he’s most effective in the middle with a holding player supporting him.
With Steven Gerrard departing, we’re in need of a midfield warrior, and have been mostly linked with Inter Milan youngster Mateo Kovacic so far, such as here in the Mirror.
Sissoko would take less time to settle though, would be cheaper than the mooted £21.5m required to sign the young Croatian and would therefore be less of a risk.
So Reds, would you take the France international for £17.1m…?