Liverpool’s apparent wish list of midfield targets looks set to be chiselled down by one.
The Reds are expected to find themselves in search of a replacement for Emre Can, who is likely to join Juventus on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.
Jurgen Klopp’s imminent midfield void has seen Napoli’s Jorginho surface as an ideal no.6 option as the German seeks to add protection for his back four.
The Italian international is reportedly valued at £50million, although is evidently attracting interest from a number of clubs across Europe thanks to his standout season in Serie A.
In fact, journalist Jose Alvarez Haya has claimed that Manchester City are in negotiations with the 26-year-old and close to agreeing a deal after a meeting with his agent.
Jorginho (Napoli) is in advanced negotiation with Manchester City. His agent (Joao Santos) was last week in a succesful meeting with Txiki in Manchester. The deal is close to happen. @elchiringuitotv@chirichampions
— Jose Alvarez Haya (@10JoseAlvarez) April 23, 2018
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Pep Guardiola’s interest stems from a desire to support Fernandinho, who has featured prominently as a lone holding midfielder across all competitions this season.
Jorginho certainly fits the bill as the deep-lying orchestrator capable of feeding the interchanging attacks City and Liverpool boast.
The Reds have also recently been linked with newly-crowned Championship winner Ruben Neves, who has dominated for Wolves in England’s second tier since arriving in a shock deal from Porto.
Though he perhaps doesn’t match Jorginho’s pedigree, he offers a blend of vision, goal-scoring prowess and crucial experience of English football that stands a great chance of flourishing behind a front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.