Liverpool have remained inactive this month despite those around strengthening their ranks.
Following the departure of Gini Wijnaldum early in the summer, the Reds were expected to sign at least one central midfielder to replace the Dutchman.
Perhaps the strongest link was with a move for Atletico Madrid star, Saul Niguez.
However, as the days went by a move from Anfield looked increasingly unlikely as Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United began to circle.
Now it seems as though Chelsea have won the battle as reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Twitter that the deal is all but sealed.
Twitter: Saúl to Chelsea, HERE WE GO! Agreement reached for €5m loan from Atletico Madrid. Personal terms agreed. Saúl will… https://t.co/WAXoC4GWiN (@FabrizioRomano)
The 26-year-old has earned 19 senior caps for Spain and looked to be the ideal candidate to replace Wijnaldum in the Liverpool squad.
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Perhaps the final indignity in what has been an immensely disappointing transfer window in many ways.
Although multiple key contract renewals have been successfully negotiated this summer, it’s hard not to feel an addition or two would’ve been a huge bonus to Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Whilst wholesale changes went necessarily the order of the day, tweaks to the squad players this summer followed by major changes next should’ve been the modus operandi.
