Liverpool in talks to pursue Renato Sanches from Bayern Munich

Liverpool have reportedly opened up talks with Bayern Munich to pursue the services of Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches. The Portugal international had a tough debut season in the German league last term as he was restricted to just six starts.

Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol reveals that the Reds are plotting a late move to sign the Euro 2016 winner as they look to reinforce their midfield for the 2017/18 campaign. Naby Keita had been identified as the prime option to strengthen their ranks this summer, but it appears that he will join the Reds in 10 months’ time with a deal already finalised (BBC Sport).

Sanches has been offered to a whole host of elite European clubs, but according to Solhekol, the Reds could be in a straight fight with AS Monaco to pursue the former Benfica graduate on loan. Sanches put up a mixed showing during Bayern’s pre-season, and this has limited him to a bench role since the start of the league campaign.

Liverpool have looked at home with the combination of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can in midfield, but there is not much support behind them with Marko Grujic still inexperienced at the top level.

While Sanches is also in a similar range to Grujic in terms of first-team experience, the Portuguese has shown the ability to compete effectively in the midfield whilst utilising his strength to push forward with ambition.

Adam Lallana is also expected to be out for at least two months with his thigh injury sustained in pre-season, and this increases the Reds’ need for a short-term option in order to cover up for the Cup games, where Klopp will look to rest his main players. Liverpool are currently placed second in the Premier League following a comfortable 4-0 triumph over Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

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