Liverpool suffer hammer blows in chase for duo as Klopp handed dilemma

Liverpool's next six Premier League fixtures

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Liverpool have suffered hammer blows in their chase for Ismael Bennacer and Enzo Fernandez. The two stars have been linked with moves to Anfield as the Reds look to break into the top four of the Premier League and battle for the Champions League trophy.

Liverpool have endured a tough start to the season and are currently sixth in the Premier League table after winning just six of their opening 14 games. And manager Jurgen Klopp could be forced to delve into the transfer market in the New Year in an attempt to finally kickstart his team’s campaign.

The Merseyside giants reportedly want to get their hands on AC Milan midfielder Bennacer. But, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian giants are now optimistic about tying the 25-year-old down to a new deal.

Bennacer, who joined Milan from Empoli in 2019, has already played 21 games for his club this season. But with his contract expiring in 2024, Milan will be hoping the Algerian puts pen to paper so they aren’t forced to cash in on him in January.

Meanwhile, Benfica midfielder Fernandez has seen his value surge following his performances for Argentina at the World Cup. The 21-year-old was in fine form in Qatar and started five of his county’s seven matches, including the final, as the South Americans defeated France in the showpiece event on Sunday to lift the trophy.

But, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Fernandez is now worth more than £87million. And Real Madrid are also chasing his signature.

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Liverpool are desperate to sign a world-class midfielder as they look to solve a problem area. But Klopp now has a dilemma on his hands as he is a long-term admirer of England ace Jude Bellingham. Klopp has been tipped to do all he can to persuade the Borussia Dortmund sensation to return to England. But Bellingham is also worth a huge amount of money. And the Reds boss won’t have a bottomless pit of cash to spend next year.

Klopp will therefore have to prioritise which midfielder he really wants as it’s unlikely the Liverpool owners will stump up the cash for Bellingham and Fernandez. And if Bellingham remains Klopp’s number-one midfield target, the German may ultimately miss out on Fernandez.

The pressure will be ramping up on Klopp when his side return to Premier League action against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. And the 55-year-old will have to get his transfer plans cemented as quickly as possible as the January window is set to open in less than two weeks.

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