League title allows Liverpool to get ball rolling on ambitious swap deal
Liverpool will make an approach for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly in the “coming days” as they begin planning for next season after winning the Premier League.
The Reds clinched their first league title in 30 years on Thursday courtesy of Manchester City’s defeat to Chelsea.
The title win comes after significant first-team investment in key areas, including the signing of Virgil van Dijk.
However, many pundits have argued that now is the time to continue strengthening, amid growing excitement about Chelsea and Manchester United.
And reports claim Jurgen Klopp is keen to further add to his defence, with AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli a target.
Elsewhere, Liverpool have reportedly held an interest in Koulibaly for months and Tuttomercatoweb claims they will make a move in the coming days.
The report says the Reds could offer Croatia international Dejan Lovren in a potential swap deal for Koulibaly.
Lovren is Klopp’s fourth choice in defence and received interest from Roma last summer.
And while the deal reportedly depends on “many situations” yet to develop, Liverpool are intent on making a move.
Koulibaly, 29, would be brought in to partner Van Dijk in a defence which is on its way to conceding the fewest number of Premier League goals from any team two seasons in succession.
Liverpool conceded 22 times in 38 games last term, letting in 21 goals with seven games to go this season.
Napoli have admitted that up to 30 per cent of their star players could leave ahead of next season.
However, the club’s president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, has insisted that Koulibaly will not leave for less than €100million.
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Elsewhere, Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has backed the club to enjoy more success in the seasons to come.
The Reds’ first Premier League title follows last season’s European Cup triumph, among other pieces of silverware.
And Werner says he is confident of seeing the club prosper further under Klopp.