Liverpool can sign star ‘destined for the top’ after Caicedo and Lavia blows

Liverpool's pursuit of a defensive midfielder this summer has proven to be a challenging task.

After missing out on targets Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia – with the latter expected to follow the £115million former Brighton midfielder to Stamford Bridge – the Reds are determined to find the right addition to their midfield before the window shuts. While Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have undoubtedly improved Jurgen Klopp's midfield, it is evident that a specific defensive-minded player is still needed in the position.

One potential option that has emerged is Ibrahim Sangare from PSV Eindhoven. Nottingham Forest have shown interest in the midfielder while reports suggest that Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also circling the Dutch club for his signature.

Sangare has been likened to the likes of Yaya Toure and Michael Essien in terms of his playing style and the Ivory Coast international has impressed with his ball-winning abilities, having been hailed as a player who is 'destined for the top' level of football. Last season, Sangare topped the charts in terms of winning possession in the final third in the Eredivisie, dispossessing opponents 158 times.

READ MORE: Liverpool 'stepping up efforts' to sign midfield target with Premier League experience

He also averaged 3.7 tackles per game with an impressive tackle success rate of 80.2 percent. With 122 of his 136 games at PSV played in the defensive midfield position, Sangare would be a natural fit for Liverpool's squad, reports the Liverpool Echo.

While Sangare may not possess the line-breaking abilities of former Anfield man Fabinho, he has shown glimpses of progressive carries and boasts a pass success rate exceeding 90 percent. The Reds face competition for Sangare after their interest was confirmed by the brother of the player's agent.

Would Sangare be a solid alternative for Liverpool? Let us know in the comments section.

While PSG and Bayern have been linked, Voetbal International (via NottinghamshireLive) claims that a second Forest worth £21.5m has been rejected. Crucially, there are suggestions a deal is there to be done – if an apparent £32m release clause is matched by a suitor.

PSV manager Peter Bosz has admitted that he could leave before the September 1 deadline. "That he (Sangare) can still leave, it’s true," he said.

"We all know that. I think he is playing well. He is not distracted by what might be going on. No, I have no influence on that. But I hope he is retained."

Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former PSV manager and Manchester United striker, is a fan of Sangare's talents. "Obviously he can handle [the Premier League]," Van Nistelrooy told Voetbal International.

"I have challenged him because I think Ibrahim can go to the top in England. He would also be great in Italy or Spain. I see players in his position there now and I think Ibrahim is definitely going to take a shot at that level."

With two weeks remaining in the transfer window, Liverpool will need to act swiftly if they want to secure Sangare's services. While there are no guarantees, he could be the missing piece in Klopp's squad.

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