Liverpool target Konrad Laimer plays down Reds transfer links

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RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer has insisted that he does not have a burning desire to test himself in the Premier League by joining Liverpool in the not-too-distant future. The Reds have recently been linked with a potential move for Laimer, who has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most influential playmakers since joining Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg back in 2017.

Laimer was also recommended to Manchester United by former interim boss Ralf Rangnick towards the end of last season but ended up staying at Leipzig, who managed to avoid losing their prized asset before the end of the summer transfer window. It seems as though Laimer may decide to snub a move to the Premier League if Liverpool or United go in for his services in January, with the midfielder admitting that he is not tempted by the idea of playing in England at this stage of his career.

“A hasty departure is not my thing,” Laimer told Bild. “If I were to change clubs, I would want to think it through and decide calmly, not overnight.

“Especially since the first half of the season is very short anyway due to the World Cup and you wouldn’t have had time to settle in and find your feet. The Premier League is nice, but for me it’s not a must. It’s much more important to me how people talk to me, what feeling do I have about something.”

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Liverpool were in the market for a new midfielder over the summer and initially explored the possibility of a move for Aurelien Tchouameni before the Frenchman chose to join Real Madrid on a long-term contract. The Reds eventually settled for the loan signing of Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, who was an unused substitute in their goalless draw at Everton over the weekend.

A move for Laimer could still be an option for Liverpool to explore in January, though, with the 25-year-old only tied down to Leipzig until the end of the current season. They could also decide to wait until next summer to sign him on a free transfer, although they could be set to face stiff competition from Bayern Munich and a handful of other Premier League clubs in the race to snap him up.

However, Laimer’s recent comments suggest that he could look to steer clear of a move to England by joining Bayern Munich when the time comes to make a decision on his long-term future. The Bundesliga champions are said to be keen admirers and reportedly made a late offer to Leipzig during the closing stages of the summer window but to no avail.

Liverpool may instead opt to chase a summer move for Borussia Dortmund maestro Jude Bellingham, who is said to have been a target for the Reds for a number of years. They have been tipped to launch a big-money bid for his signature at the end of the campaign, with the England ace thought to have been lined up to serve as a long-term replacement for Jordan Henderson or James Milner in the middle of the park.

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