Liverpool backed to sign Kalvin Phillips or Declan Rice with one midfielder going, another not the answer

Liverpool should disregard signing a direct replacement for Sadio Mane and instead go all out to avert a looming problem in midfield, per one observer.

The Reds are poised to embark on a difficult scrap to retain the services of Sadio Mane this summer. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano is one of a whole host of reliable sources who have claimed Mane wants out of Anfield. At present, Bayern Munich would appear his likeliest suitor with the forward about to enter the final 12 months of his current deal.

Both the Times and Guardian reported Liverpool will play hardball over an exit. The latter claimed a sale will only be sanctioned if Liverpool receive a bid far greater than £30m and have a replacement already lined up.

But according to talkSPORT pundit and ex-Red Danny Murphy, Klopp’s recruitment team should focus on the midfield instead.

“I don’t think they need to go heavy on forward players,” said Murphy (via the Liverpool Echo).

“They’ve got Jota – who’s shown his worth in terms of goals – I think Firmino will stay another year but they will have to sign someone if Firmino goes.”

Instead, Murphy explained why Liverpool should go “all out” to sign Leeds ace Kalvin Phillips or West Ham talisman Declan Rice.

The Reds are known to be on the hunt for a new all-action midfielder this summer. Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni is in their sights, though Real Madrid appear to have stolen a march on that front.

Should the Frenchman move to Madrid, Phillips or Rice would represent more than viable alternatives, though neither will be easy to sign.

Murphy hailed Liverpool’s current midfield options, especially their starting three. However, he thinks Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s time is up and Naby Keita hasn’t done enough on Merseyside.

The