After talks with agent, Liverpool to sign €70 million midfielder in January.

Despite his team’s stellar defensive record in the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp is in desperate need of a top-tier defensive midfielder.

The Reds were unable to defeat Manchester United, drawing 0-0 at Anfield, but with only 15 league goals conceded in 2023/24, no team has conceded fewer.

Having a natural defensive midfielder in the starting lineup, however, continues to be a hindrance to Klopp’s tactics.

Following TEAMtalk’s report at the start of December that Liverpool had “held conversations” with Palhinha’s agent, Record in Portugal reports that the Reds are competing with five other clubs to sign him.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich have long been reported to be interested, but Manchester City is also said to be interested.

While playing for Pep Guardiola may be appealing to Palhinha, if he moves to the Etihad, he will face the same fate as Kalvin Phillips.

Rodri, widely regarded as the world’s best defensive midfielder, is simply too good to be replaced by Palhinha.

However, at Liverpool, the Portugal international would be an undisputed starter and could even help the club win the Premier League title.

Signing the 28-year-old would cost around €70 million (£60.2 million), but would significantly boost their title chances.

Arsenal climbed to the top of the table after dropping two points against Manchester United, but with the Gunners visiting Anfield this weekend, Klopp’s men have the chance to spend Christmas as league leaders.