Klopp favourite safe as Liverpool won’t use ‘key player’ in transfer of Serie A ace wanted by Chelsea

A journalist has refuted claims that Liverpool will use Kostas Tsimikas as a makeweight in a transfer for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

Liverpool’s midfield have evidently struggled more this season than over the past few seasons. Indeed, that they have been overrun on a number of occasions has been obvious.

That has led to some poor results for the Reds. While they are now sixth in the Premier League, before a recent surge, they were in a tough spot.

Some of their worst results this season include losses to Leeds United and Manchester United. Jurgen Klopp’s side have also drawn to Everton, Crystal Palace and Brighton; all games they would have expected to win.

The midfield is an ageing one, and that, coupled with injuries, has not helped matters. Jordan Henderson and Thiago – two of the most utilised midfielders – are both over the age of 30.

Freshening up the centre of the park seems to be a wise idea, so that Liverpool don’t suffer for the rest of the season.

The Reds have been linked with a fair few quality midfielders of late. That list includes: Rabiot, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Enzo Fernandez and Konrad Laimer.

A move for Rabiot looks as if it could be a simple one. Indeed, a recent report stated the midfielder is ‘open to any solution’ to leave Juventus.

That report suggested Liverpool would use left-back Tsimikas as a makeweight in a deal for the Frenchman.

Tsimikas swap refuted

However, it seems that might not be the case, with one journalist stating that Liverpool have not thought about using the left-back in a deal.

“No thoughts at Liverpool for a swap deal between Rabiot and Tsimikas. Tsimikas is a key player for Klopp,” he said on Twitter.

Tsimikas has not had a consistent role during his time at Anfield. Indeed, he has one of the Premier League’s best left-backs to contend with for a spot, in Andy Robertson.

However, when he has been utilised, the Greek has performed well. In 49 appearances for the Merseysiders, he has made 11 assists.

This season, he has played in 10 of Liverpool’s 14 Premier League games. Four of those appearances have come from the start of a game. As such, it seems he is being given more of a role in the side.

With that being said, it makes sense as to why Klopp would not want to see him leave.

What’s more, Tsimikas is only 26 years old. As such, he should soon be approaching his best years – he may be afforded more time on the pitch when that time comes.

He also has time on his side, meaning Liverpool will not want to see the back of him, knowing there should still be a lot of good years with him in the side ahead.

Whether or not they will attempt to snare Rabiot, but without a swap involved, remains to be seen. The Frenchman is in good form, scoring and assisting in France’s World Cup opener.

As such, it seems he would be a great asset to add to the side.

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