PL side reportedly rival Reds for £18m-rated Bundesliga left-back

The Reds could be in the market for a back-up left-back to replace the recently-departed Alberto Moreno.

According to the Chronicle, via the Echo, the recent (though unpopular) appointment of Steve Bruce has somehow injected impetus to Newcastle’s transfer business and they are chasing Reds target, Philipp Max of Augsburg.

Liverpool had been linked with the German full-back, who could command a fee of around £18 million.

The 25-year-old has registered 20 total assists over the last two seasons for the Bundesliga side and might possibly be a solid option behind Andy Robertson.

That said, Newcastle’s purchasing power could be diminished having already completed a club-record deal for Hoffenheim’s Joelinton for £40 million – Bruce’s first signing at Newcastle.

With Paul Dummett arguably the only recognised left-back at St James’ Park, it remains to be seen whether the Magpies will swoop back into the Bundesliga for a shiny, new signing to compete with him.

For the Reds, time will tell if the next fortnight or so yields any substantial incomings in this summer’s transfer window. Though the urgency of the search might have been ramped up after injury to promising defender, Yasser Larouci.