Dejan Lovren is once again the subject of interest from Serie A as the British transfer window nears its final week.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Lovren has been identified by Roma as a possible alternative to Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld, who may be set to stay put after months of uncertainty.
It’s been reported by Paul Joyce that we want at least £25million for the Croatian international, but the Italian source claims that Roma are confident a fee in the region of £18million would be enough to persuade the Reds.
Roma are naïve if they think they can negotiate a cut-price deal at this late stage.
Lovren is rightfully considered an important player at Anfield, offering vast experience within a central defensive quartet.
Not only is he more accomplished on the pitch than many give him credit for, he’s also thought to be a key presence in the dressing room.
In these circumstances, it’s likely our asking price has crept up over the course of the window rather than dropped.
But how did supporters react to the news of Roma’s interest?
A number disputed their valuation…
How is he only going to go for 20 mil? Wilson is looking to be sold at 25 mil?
— Andrés (@AndresLFC) July 31, 2019
Others suggested it was frankly pointless to sell Lovren unless the money was used to fund one or more quality additions in the coming week.
With £20m for Lovren and the same for Wilson does that mean that will free up funds to buy an attacking player?
— Tee Mak (@tee_mak007) July 31, 2019
What's the point If we dont reinvest that money into signing someone
— Calum Thorpe (@Calum_LFC96) July 31, 2019
His impact off the field was also recognised…
He's good for our dressing room. I'd prefer to keep him.
— Raihan (@RaihanSoekowati) July 31, 2019
Keep him, makes Salah happy an wouldn’t get a replacement at the same level for that money an he’s happy as a squad player
— Titan (@fi50ty) July 31, 2019
Lovren can make an important contribution this season, particularly with our defenders’ history of injuries and the extra need for rotation…
No point selling if the club aren't buying anyone, not to mention Gomez and Matip are hardly injury proof..
— Red-Rum (@Pad__Lfc) July 31, 2019
Not without a replacement lined up! He may not be great but he had to play in 18 games last season and this year we could potentially have more.
— Nick Dawson (@NickDawsonYeo) July 31, 2019
For some Reds, it’s too late in the day to be parting with established players…
https://twitter.com/HarryScousser/status/1156495313307414528
It’s difficult to envisage the club finding an upgrade on the 30-year-old, who’s fourth in the pecking order at the moment…
And who would replace him as 4th choice centre back?
We dont need the money so what is the point
Only sell if he kicking off for a move to play more
— Lee Vickers (@vickers1983) July 31, 2019
Lovren is not a player I would want to keep but our squad has no depth so I wouldn’t sell till we buy a world class replacement
— KagsyforPM (@KagsyforPM) July 31, 2019
https://twitter.com/dreadiroth/status/1156496751584567297
Not all fans were opposed to his sale, though. There’s a possibility he could be offloaded next summer to make sure Sepp van den Berg’s path to the first-team isn’t blocked…
Would wait one season. We need the depth.
— Terje Jøsang (@tjosang) July 31, 2019
Lovren to Roma? With Matip Gomez Hoever and Sepp, I could see it if Roma make a good offer
— Justyn™️ (@justyn_lfc) July 31, 2019