Reliable Liverpool-focused journalist James Pearce of The Athletic has further dismissed the speculation surrounding the pursuit of Sven Botman this month.
Having originally brought an abrupt end to the furore among many Kopites over the possible arrival of the Lille centre-back last week, Pearce told the Red Agenda Podcast that those in the know at Anfield have played down all links with the 20-year-old defender, saying: ”We can rule out Sven Botman, people I spoke to were adamant there was absolutely no interest. I don’t go along with the idea that it is a smokescreen.”
Not content with ruling out a move for the Dutchman, Pearce also played down speculation with another two defenders linked with the Premier League champions as he said: ”Dayot Upamecano is, of course, someone on Liverpool’s radar but it is almost impossible to get him out of Leipzig this month, Kabak at Schalke has been looked at but it hasn’t gone any further than that.”
In Monday night’s defeat at Southampton, Jurgen Klopp played two of his regular midfielders as a centre-back partnership, further underlining the pressing need for defensive strengthening this month.
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Whilst everyone has an honours degree in hindsight, the decision to firstly let Dejan Lovren leave and secondly not replace him is looking increasingly short-sighted as the Reds suffer with major defensive injury problems.
After the defeat at St Mary’s on Monday, Jamie Carragher claimed that Liverpool would not retain the Premier League without signing a centre-back, a situation which looks increasingly likely with every Pearce update.
History will tell us whether the noises from the club are merely an act before the big arrival. Here’s hoping that proves to be the case once again.
