Liverpool should use Southampton interest to solve Jurgen Klopp’s glaring transfer problem

David James confident Liverpool will feature in title race

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Having been promoted to Liverpool’s sporting director role in November 2016, it is no surprise that Michael Edwards’ appointment coincided with the Reds becoming English and European champions within three years of him taking the hot seat.

Having commissioned the sales of a plethora of players, ranging from key men such as Phillipe Coutinho to youngsters in the ilk of Rhian Brewster, it is very rare that Edwards has been questioned for his actions.

Yet even the best in the business can make mistakes at times. For every Dominic Solanke and Rhian Brewster, there is a Naby Keita and Georginio Wijnaldum.

That isn’t to say Wijnaldum was a poor signing; far from it. However, it is his departure on a free transfer which has marred the Dutchman’s time on Merseyside – leaving a slight mishap on the resume of Edwards.

Wijnaldum was pivotal in Liverpool’s best spell since the 1980’s; not only scoring and assisting goals wherever he could, but being the epitome of the swashbuckling gegenpress that boss Jurgen Klopp has implanted and excelled with at Anfield.

Yet, for reasons unbeknownst to anyone outside of the Anfield boardroom, Liverpool have a strict regime on contracts that they offer to over-30’s.

And with Wijnaldum falling under that category, he was unable to agree terms with Edwards, swiftly moving to Paris Saint-Germain last month.

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There is, however, a chance to win the fans back after the departure of a clear fan favourite. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who joined the club for £35million back in August 2017, has become somewhat of a forgotten man at Anfield.

After a stellar 2017-18 season, in which he featured in 42 games, a knee injury meant he dropped rapidly out of Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

So much so, that Chamberlain featured in just 17 games last season, with one paltry goal at Burnley to show for his efforts.

And, with the Englishman now behind Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Keita, Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones in the pecking order, it appears his days are numbered even without Wijnaldum present.

Despite playing in pre-season for Liverpool, there is a club reportedly interested in him; none other than the club he grew up at, Southampton.

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talkSPORT claim that despite his game time increasing over the last three months, the Saints believe he is available for a period away from the club.

This is where Edwards should work his magic.

With Oxlade Chamberlain now sixth-choice in a three-man midfield, he is as unlikely to get minutes as ever before.

And, with Danny Ings having moved surreptitiously to Aston Villa for £30m last week, it is clear the Saints now have money available.

Granted, they will likely prioritise a striker – with Adam Armstrong reportedly on his way to St Mary’s for £15m – but with another £15m in the pot, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men can afford to bring in their former academy starlet.

With three years left on his contract, it may take a lot of negotiating on Southampton’s behalf to prise Oxlade-Chamberlain away from the one-time Premier League champions.

But again, with the way Michael Edwards operates, Liverpool could be able to replace the consistency of Wijnaldum and the flashes of brilliance Oxlade-Chamberlain shows with the sale of the Englishman.

Reports continue to link the Reds with Lyon’s Houssem Aouar and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Florian Neuhaus; and with Frenchman Aouar having just two years left on his deal, it could be up to Edwards to convince the Frenchman to Anfield.

Fabinho doesn’t expect boss Klopp to move for another midfielder this summer, despite Wijnaldum’s departure.

But with Oxlade-Chamberlain showing no improvements on his fitness, and rarely helping an already injury-laden side in terms of the treatment table, it may be time to get rid of the 27-year old.

Wijnaldum will be keen to help PSG win the Champions League this season after they lost in last years’ semi-final against Manchester City.

And with arguably the world’s best footballer, Lionel Messi, reportedly on his way to Paris, continental success could finally land in the French capital.

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