Bayern ‘closely monitoring’ surprise Liverpool midfielder as Tuchel targets Saudi-bound star
Bayern Munich are keeping an eye on Fabinho’s situation amidst reports he is set to leave Liverpool for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.
The German champions are believed to be in the market for a new defensive midfielder and had held a tentative interest in Declan Rice before coming to terms with the fact he was destined to join Arsenal.
Having brought in Sadio Mane from the Reds last summer, Bayern are now hoping to negotiate the signing of a Liverpool player a year on.
According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Thomas Tuchel’s side are ‘closely monitoring’ Fabinho’s ‘situation’ at Anfield.
A £40million to Saudi Arabia has been mooted but the Bavarians will try to capitalise ‘if the deal falls through’.
Plettenberg says the Brazilian international is ‘close’ to joining Al-Ittihad, where he would join Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
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Despite being ‘aware’ of this, Tuchel believes Fabinho ‘fits into the profile’ of the midfielder he wants to sign this summer.
Bayern are boosted by the fact their bosses have a ‘top relationship’ with the player’s agent Jorge Mendes, though it does feel like they have left things a little too late.
Fabinho is not the only Liverpool player set to join the Saudi revolution this summer.
Reports suggest club captain Jordan Henderson is edging closer to a move to Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by Reds legend Steven Gerrard.
Should both players exit, Jurgen Klopp will likely attempt to bring in two replacements.
Liverpool have been strongly linked with Southampton teenager Romeo Lavia and are expected to make a formal approach when Henderson or Fabinho officially leave.
The Saints reportedly want at least £50m for the 19-year-old Belgian, who was superb last season despite his side’s relegation to the Championship.
Another midfield player tickling the fancy of Klopp is Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure. The player’s £70m price tag could put the German off, however.
Liverpool have already completed the signings of Argentine World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister and Hungarian playmaker Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined £100m.
Should Fabinho and Henderson depart, Klopp’s midfield options will be the injury-prone Thiago, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Stefan Bajcetic, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones.
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