Former Liverpool star John Barnes has outlined why he believes both Saul Niguez and Renato Sanches would fit in at his old club.
Niguez has been a key player for Atletico Madrid over the past six years and impressed as his side claimed the La Liga title last season.
But there are suggestions that Diego Simeone's side could be about to cash in on the 26-year-old, who signed an incredible nine-year contract back in 2016.
While Sanches was first linked with the Reds back in January, and went on to impress at the Euros after helping Lille to the Ligue 1 title last season.
And Barnes believes the Spain international, who the Reds have a long-standing admiration for, has all the attributes to fit in with the way Jurgen Klopp wants to play.
“Saul fits the team. He’s a midfield player who works hard, he can be attacking and defensive,” he told BonusCodeBets.co.uk.
“Gini Wijnaldum’s an attacking midfielder for Holland and scores goals, whereas for Liverpool he didn’t really score goals.
“But he could do both and that’s what we need. I don’t think the way we play would suit someone like Kevin De Bruyne, and you may say De Bruyne is better than Saul.
“But what Klopp does is has a way of playing and says ‘this is what I want’. Saul is someone who can do it. Adama Traore as one of the front three, too.
“For what we want - a player who’s direct, fast, quick - he might suit us. Klopp is doing exactly the right thing: looking at the players he wants.”
Before the Kop icon added on the Portugal international: “Renato Sanches is very similar, a midfielder who used to be a winger and works hard, chases back defensively, drives the ball forward.
“He’s someone who could fit in as well. I don’t look at players in tournaments after two or three games and say they’ll make it.
“People were talking about Denzel Dumfries and saying he should come and play for Liverpool.
“But for the rest of the year he may not be that great or consistent. Clubs look at players who’ve done it over 20, 30, 40 games.”
The Reds finished 17 points behind champions Manchester City last season, and although Barnes believes his old club will push the Etihad side closer this season, he still thinks Pep Guardiola’s men remain favourites for the title.
“I think Man City and Liverpool will be the two top teams. Chelsea will be strong and Manchester United won’t be far behind.
“Tottenham are in a rebuilding process and might not keep Harry Kane. Arsenal are rebuilding as well and Leicester will be consistent and pushing for a top five or six spot.
“Man City are still the favourites but Liverpool will push them a lot closer than last year with a couple of signings and Virgil van Dijk back.
“I think Everton will be in the top ten, but they have to support Rafa and get the harmony right. It’s up to Everton fans - if they support the manager, regardless of his history, they can do okay.”
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