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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool mulling over Rubén Vinagre as Moreno replacement

Liverpool will be entering the market this summer to find a left-back to compete for a place with Andy Robertson. Alberto Moreno is set to leave on a free.

Update:
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Rubén Vinagre fends off Gerard Deulofeu.
CARL RECINEAction Images via Reuters

A striker and a left-back feature at the top of Jürgen Klopp’s list of priorities this summer as Liverpool have already set the wheels in motion to begin tweaking the squad for the new campaign. The left-back position is never an easy one to fill but bringing in a new wing-back is particularly urgent for the Reds as Klopp has just two natural, left-sided full-backs at his disposal – Andy Robertson and Alberto Moreno. Moreno is expected to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season after a somewhat disappointing five-year stint at Anfield. That would leave Robertson as Klopp’s only option at left-back – a position he has had to cover, practically without any rest, for more than a year. The versatile James Milner has provided cover when Robertson has been unavailable (like he did in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter final tie against Porto), but it’s not his natural position and now 33 - and with his contract coming to an end, he is also expected to move on in the summer.

Rubén Vinagre
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Rubén VinagreCatherine IvillGetty Images

A defender worth his salt

One of the players Liverpool have been following with interest is Wolves’ Portuguese defender Rubén Vinagre who has quickly acclimatized well to the English game. Vinagre was acquired on loan from Monaco in July 2017 and made eight starts as Wolves were promoted back to the top flight. The 20-year-old impressed in both of Wolves’ encounters with Liverpool this season, playing a part in the goal that knocked the Reds out of the FA Cup in January.

Jordi Alba recently renewed his contract with Barcelona.
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Jordi Alba recently renewed his contract with Barcelona.GORKA LEIZADIARIO AS

Barcelona reliant on Alba

Liverpool aren’t the only club to have taken note of the Portugal Under-20 internationalBarcelona have been monitoring him for the past few seasons as they too are seeking cover for Jordi Alba while Juan Miranda builds up more experience. Wolves landed Vinagre on a permanent, five-year deal last summer for a reported 11million euros. However, it won't be easy luring a player who has another four years to run on his contract away