FSG mean business: Liverpool burst into race to sign "incredible" £70m star in blow for Newcastle

Liverpool have now burst into the race to sign an “incredible” £70m Premier League star, in a blow for Newcastle United.

Reds looking to strengthen in defence

The Reds made improvements to their backline last summer, with Milos Kerkez being brought in as a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson, and the Scot has been left impressed by the 22-year-old.

Robertson said: “Milos [Kerkez] is a fantastic left-back. He had an unbelievable season last season at Bournemouth. It took time to settle into a big club. The club has to move forward, the lads who have been here so long are not getting any younger. You have to accept it. I have had competition my whole career.”

That said, the Hungarian hasn’t been in the best of form in recent weeks, receiving a 6.3 SofaScore match rating in the 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray in the Champions League, the joint-lowest of any player.

With Robertson yet to sign a new contract to extend his stay at Anfield beyond the end of the season, it may be important for Arne Slot‘s side to bring in a new left-back this summer, and they have now burst into the race to sign Newcastle star Lewis Hall.

FSG mean business, having set out to sign the left-back, who has a price tag of £65m – £70m, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Manchester City, Arsenal, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund also named as potential suitors.

However, Eddie Howe regards the Englishman as one of his most important players, which means a deal could be difficult, and the Magpies are in a strong negotiating position, given that he remains under contract until 2029.

“Incredible” Hall could be Kerkez upgrade

Football writer Mark Carruthers is a big fan of the 21-year-old, and believes he should be in Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI at the World Cup this summer.

The youngster has averaged 2.5 tackles per 90 in the Premier League, compared to 1.8 from Kerkez, while he has also displayed his ability going forward by averaging 1.8 successful dribbles per 90, whereas the Hungary international has averaged just 0.5.

Hall has proven he could be an upgrade on Kerkez, and Liverpool should pursue a move this summer, but it could be difficult to win the race for his signature, given that it is still up in the air whether they will qualify for the Champions League, and there is rival interest from Man City and Arsenal.