Liverpool look to Serie A star to step into key role of Wijnaldum

After a disappointing 2020/21 campaign, Liverpool fans were handed more bad news in June as it was announced instrumental midfielder Gini Wijnaldum was to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

The Dutchman had made it clear he had no interest in signing a contract extension however it had been widely expected that he would join Barcelona in what he labelled his ‘dream move’.

Jurgen Klopp’s side had failed miserably to defend their first ever Premier League title, and relied on a remarkable end of season run of form to even qualify for next season’s Champions League.

However, news of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez returning to the Reds’ backline will be encouraging, as will news that the Mererysiders are eyeing up a move for a highly-rated Serie A midfielder.

According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Klopp’s side are plotting a move for AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.

The 24-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his current deal with the Serie A side, and questions have been raised over the midfielder’s future.

Kessie is part of the squad representing Ivory Coast at Tokyo 2020.

The Ivorian is reportedly demanding over £5 million per year in wages, whilst his current employers are reluctant to offer more than £3.4 million, despite the midfielder currently earning less than £2 million.

The Ivory Coast international is seen by Liverpool as a suitable replacement for Wijnaldum.

However, Milan’s technical director Paolo Maldini has insisted that Kessie will remain with the club.

“Franck Kessie will stay as he’s part of out future,” he told reporters.

“We’re working to extend his contract.”

Kessie is currently repressing his homeland at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, and their campaign got off to the perfect start as he netted the winner in a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia in their opener on Thursday.

With Kessie competing in Tokyo, it is unlikely that a deal would be completed until after he returns.