Liverpool Transfer News: Jurgen Klopp Outlines Summer Plans, Latest Rumours

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted he may not necessarily buy players who are an upgrade on those currently in his squad this summer.

Speaking with Sky Sports News HQ (h/t Stephen Mills of Sky Sports), the former Borussia Dortmund man insisted the arrival of players of a similar level to those already at the club would trigger competition and prevent injuries from derailing the team:

"

You need to be a little bit more independent from the injury situation. When we have a good pre-season and when we can give the boys a good base it should be different, really different.

You can never be sure, so of course we need players. We'll try to find players that will give us the opportunity to become better. If they are better then good, but if they are the same level that would be really good too. Then we can push each other onto another level.

"

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In big games, Liverpool’s players have excelled and delivered on tactical game plans. In addition, individuals have also reaped the benefits of his influence.

Dejan Lovren is shining in defence, James Milner has taken his game on in midfield, while up top, Divock Origi enjoyed his best spell in a red shirt before getting injured in the Merseyside derby.

Perhaps the player who has improved the most is Adam Lallana, though. These numbers from Squawka Football are evidence of that:

Even so, Liverpool fans will be hoping their illustrious manager can attract some big names to the club this summer. One of those could be Monaco starlet Thomas Lemar.

According to L’Equipe (h/t James Gray of the Daily Express), Liverpool are in pole position, ahead of Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, to land the 20-year-old, who has gone from strength to strength since joining the principality club from Caen last summer.

As noted here by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Johnson, the Guadeloupe-born prospect has been considered as one of the best youngsters in the division:

Whether operating off the centre-forward or from the flanks, Lemar has found a way to have a positive impact on matches this term with his skilful dribbling and incisive passing. Here is a look at what he can offer:

While the Monaco man could be one for the future, Liverpool are also apparently looking at landing Rafael Camacho from Manchester City, an academy talent who is just 15 years old.

Peter O’Rourke of ESPN FC has reported the Reds are “closing in on a deal.” While he's “regarded as one of the best talents to come from Portugal in his age group,” Camacho has reportedly been informed he will not be picking up a senior deal at the Etihad Stadium.

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Klopp could yet go out and spend a massive amount of money this summer, using his reputation in the game to lure some stars to Anfield and challenge for major honours. But his approach to the job and transfer window has been refreshing.

Even so, new faces are always needed and Klopp will be careful to ensure each individual coming in fits a particular blueprint. Lemar, a young, industrious and talented footballer, looks to tick a lot of boxes. However, another major move so early in his career wouldn’t be ideal for a player who needs to find some stability in order to continue developing.