Into his third season at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp seems to have had a great impact on the squad at Liverpool, as they look to qualify for the Champions League for the second season running. The signings the German has made at the club till date have all been helpful in their pursuit of a top-4 spot but Klopp does not seem done with his transfer activity.
The Reds continue to be linked with a host of talent for a move in the summer and the latest name doing the rounds is Bournemouth star, Lewis Cook.
Having joined Eddie Howe back in 2016 from Leeds United, Cook has established himself in the first team at Bournemouth and he was the skipper of the English U20 side that won the World Cup just last year. He has also got a national team call-up under Gareth Southgate and is one of the most exciting talents on show in the English top flight.
The Reds were interested in his services even before he joined Bournemouth and reports now claim that they are closely monitoring the player, for a move in the summer. It is reported that Klopp sees Cook as a replacement for German midfielder Emre Can, who could leave the club on a free transfer this summer.
The former Bayern man is yet to sign a new deal with the club and though Liverpool will welcome Naby Keita for the next season, they are still in search of a midfielder, who can help out when needed. Cook fits the bill well.
Capable of playing a slightly deeper role, Cook is a central midfielder, who loves to control the game in the middle of the park. He is a confident player, who can beat his man with ease and hardly ever loses the ball. He sticks to the basics for most of the game but is capable of providing match winning passes, and also making tackles and interceptions, making him a dangerous player.
He has to work on his strength and hold up play but his positioning and ability to test the keeper from long range all make him an exciting prospect. He is expected to cost around £20m and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool are ready to meet his valuation.
The likes of Jordan Henderson and James Milner may not have a long-term future at the club and Cook could be a long-term replacement for either name. He may not be the best option available in the market but he does add numbers to a role that Liverpool need to strengthen and at just £20m, he will also free up funds for Liverpool to try and sign their top transfer target in the midfield, adding strength and depth to the side.
But do you think Cook is the right man for Klopp?
