Liverpool boss Klopp ‘to rival Barcelona for bargain January transfer’

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is reportedly eager to pursue a January move for Las Palmas starlet Alberto Moleiro, who is also said to be a target for the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City. The Reds have endured a tricky time of things in the Premier League so far this season, with injuries hitting their squad hard over the last few months to showcase a lack of depth in crucial positions.Liverpool’s midfield has emerged as a particular area of concern after losing out on the signing of Aurelien Tchouameni over the summer, with those in power at Anfield thought to be assessing their options in the market before the transfer window reopens in January. Moleiro has cropped up on Liverpool’s radar as an important target over the last few months, according to Mundo Deportivo, and could be signed for as little as £26million if the Merseyside giants are willing to activate his release clause.Moleiro is a versatile operator in the final third of the pitch, with the 21-year-old equally capable of playing on the wing as he is in his preferred attacking midfield role. He has chipped in with three assists for Las Palmas in all competitions this season and looks to have a bright future in the game, although it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will be able to snap him up ahead of the other clubs with a keen eye on his services.The Reds will be forced to jump Barcelona and City in the queue to land Moleiro, who came through the youth ranks at Las Palmas and recently made his debut for Spain’s under-21 side as a welcome reward for his impressive form at club level. He would be unlikely to play regular first-team football at any of the aforementioned clubs as things stand, but would benefit from some of the very best coaching in world football as he aims to continue his development on an upward trajectory over the coming years.JUST IN: Souness launches staunch defence of Ronaldo and blames Ten Hag Jurgen Klopp reportedly wants to sign a new midfielder in January (Image: GETTY)Barcelona previously came close to securing a move for Moleiro at the end of last season but ultimately failed to do so, with their well-documented financial issues preventing the Catalan giants from rubber-stamping his signature. It could well be a different story when January rolls around, although Liverpool will be hoping to pip Barcelona in order to bring him to Anfield for themselves.The six-time European champions are understood to be on the lookout for a new midfielder in order to improve their options in the engine room before the Premier League run-in begins to take shape next year. Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson recently told Express Sport that Klopp would reap the rewards of a productive January window in order to steer clear of another injury crisis, although he is not expecting the Reds to struggle in their bid to pick up points for too much longer.DON’T MISSRonaldo has chance to seal Chelsea transfer after Tuchel departureMan City boss Pep Guardiola to use World Cup break to consider futureAston Villa eyeing Kessie but Fulham preparing to double their offer The Reds are thought to be keen on Las Palmas ace Alberto Moleiro (Image: EXPRESS)”I think it’s more of the fact that they set the bar so high that it’s impossible to maintain,” said Johnson when quizzed on the current situation at Liverpool. “And with other clubs improving around you, it can quickly look like you’re having a very slow season.”I just think a lot of clubs have improved. Liverpool’s squad is quite light, so when they do get two or three injuries they really do struggle with it. I think they need to get a few more bodies in, but you don’t get a bad manager or a bad team overnight, I don’t think they’re going to have problems going forwardWant the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our Facebook group by clicking here.