Liverpool urged not to make Gotze signing a ‘priority’

Joe Williams

Former Chelsea and Celtic midfielder Craig Burley has called on Liverpool to abandon any plans they may have had to sign Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze this summer.

The Germany international has been linked with a move to Anfield on many occasions with the latest reports claiming that the Reds have opened discussions over a £20million deal.

Jurgen Klopp, who is currently in charge at Liverpool, enjoyed a close relationship with Gotze with the duo winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles together.

However, Burley thinks the Reds are already covered in that area of the pitch and would be wise to look at other positions first.

“This is a difficult one,” Burley told ESPN.

“I think with [Sadio] Mane, Coutinho, [Roberto] Firmino, are Liverpool going to squeeze him in or put [another player] on the bench?

“This is not a priority for Liverpool. I’m going to say [it won’t happen] but not because I don’t like the player.

“If he’s a replacement then possibly, but not just to come in and dump one of their other players to the bench.”