Liverpool Transfer News: Gonzalo Higuain Targeted by Jurgen Klopp, Fresh Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly close to completing a deal for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain, speculation that's been fuelled by manager Jurgen Klopp’s presence at Argentina’s clash with Chile on Monday. 

According to beIN Sports (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Sun), a deal is almost done to bring the Argentina international to Anfield in what would be a huge move. Klopp is said to be keen to add to his options at the point of the attack, with doubts over both Christian Benteke and Daniel Sturridge.

However, according to Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo stories linking the player with a move to Anfield are "simply not true."

The German got a good look at the player in person on Monday, per sports journalist Tariq Panja:

Higuain was leading the line for the Albiceleste on the back of a stunning season in Serie A. But as Bleacher Report’s Karl Matchett noted during the contest, the Reds boss may not have been too pleased with what he saw on the night:

If Klopp is interested in securing the player he’ll be acutely aware that this poor display was a one-off. After all, Higuain broke Gunnar Nordahl’s goalscoring record in Serie A last term, bagging a hugely impressive 36 goals from just 35 games.

Here is a look back at what was a superb season for the player:

The former Real Madrid man cemented his world-class credentials this year. For a long time Higuain has been considered a forward just below the absolute elite bracket, but there were spells during 2015-16 when he had a case to be considered as the best No. 9 in the game.

He scored so many different types of goals. Whether challenging in the air, inside the box or outside, left foot or right, Higuain is always a huge threat, and the confidence that was coursing through him at the end of last season was a joy to watch.

Needless to say, Liverpool supporters would love to see those talents on display at Anfield.

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It’d still be a big surprise to see this one go ahead. Higuain is at his absolute peak, enjoying his best form in what should be the most prosperous years of his career.

Should he move club, he’ll be desperate to play at the highest level and challenge for major honours. At the moment that’s not something the Reds can offer the 28-year-old.

Ruben Neves Linked

According to Record (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express), Liverpool remain keen on landing FC Porto youngster Ruben Neves, although they will have to pay £31 million to bring him to Anfield.

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It’s suggested that despite a tough end to the 2015-16 season, Neves is still rated highly by Klopp. Porto will be keen to keep hold of the 19-year-old unless that price is met.

Here is a look at why there is so much excitement about Neves, a young player tipped for a big future in the game:

It’s not just the touch, vision and technical ability that have added to the hype when it comes to the Portuguese player, it’s his maturity.

For a player so young Neves has shown brilliant in-game instincts and a lot of leadership. He became the youngest player to captain a team in the UEFA Champions League when wearing the armband for Porto.

Even so, £31 million is too much to gamble on him for the time being. Neves has the talent to go to the top of the game, but he needs to continue to play without pressure and without being under the unrelenting spotlight that’s trained on the Premier League’s brightest youngsters.