Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp makes decision in midfield as transfer target ‘notes it’

Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp makes decision in midfield as transfer target ‘notes it’

Liverpool are preparing for a busy summer transfer window at Anfield under Jurgen Klopp as the Reds continue to be linked with Jude Bellingham as part of a major midfield overhaul

Liverpool head to international break in pit.

After a stunning 7-0 win over Manchester United, the Reds returned to terrible form, going 17 days without a game after successive defeats. Jurgen Klopp’s side lost 1-0 to relegation-threatened Bournemouth for the first time and failed to make Real Madrid sweat in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday.

Liverpool were beaten 1-0 courtesy of Karim Benzema’s late goal to give the Blancos a crushing 6-2 victory. Klopp and his Reds bosses now have the chance to sit up and prepare not only for the end of this season, but also for the summer transfer market. Here’s a round-up of the latest news from Anfield.

Liverpool will part ways with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo this summer to kick off midfield overhaul. Jurgen Klopp will tend to his engine room for the next few months as the trio are expected to leave at the end of the season.

With Arthur’s season-long move from Juventus having proved a bust, the Athletic add that Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita will leave on free transfers when their contracts expire in June. The Reds are ready to target Jude Bellingham and make him the center of their new midfield. Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite admits he noticed Liverpool’s transfer interest before there was a clash on Merseyside. The 20-year-old centre-back, who is currently on loan at PSV Eindhoven, has been watched by scouts at Anfield and told Mirror Football exclusively that he cannot ignore the speculation.

“I think if all these clubs are interested and see your games, it will be one of them that catches your eye,” admitted Branthwaite, who has also been targeted by Manchester United and Italian giants Roma. “But for me, it’s about playing the games. In the first half of the season I didn’t play as much as I wanted to, but now I’m fully focused on that and doing my best.”

Jarrad Branthwaite has been linked with a shock move from Everton to Liverpool

Have your say! Should Liverpool try to sign Branthwaite from Everton? Join the debate in the comments section.

Following Wednesday’s loss to Real Madrid, Jamie Carragher urged Jurgen Klopp to come out and sign a right-back to challenge Trent Alexander-Arnold – but he has already done so. Over the summer, Liverpool rushed to sign Aberdeen prospect Calvin Ramsay in a £6.5m transfer deal.

Unfortunately for the 19-year-old Ramsay, injuries prevented him from seriously challenging Alexander-Arnold. A problem was identified shortly after the Scotsman’s arrival at Anfield delaying his first-team debut and he suffered another setback in February when he confirmed he would have to undergo surgery.