Liverpool Transfer News: Sead Kolasinac, Alberto Moreno, Latest Reds Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing Schalke 04 left-back Sead Kolasinac as a replacement for Alberto Moreno. 

That's according to Bild (h/t Tom Olver of Metro), which has stated the Reds and Chelsea are both interested in the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.

Kolasinac’s contract at the Veltins Arena is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning he could be available for a cut-price deal in January or sign a pre-contract with a view to a free transfer in the summer.

The report added that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants the Schalke man to replace Moreno. The Spaniard has been bumped down the pecking order at Anfield recently after a difficult beginning to the season.

Kolasinac has been a consistent operator since making his debut for the Bundesliga outfit in 2012. Here’s a look at why he’s considered one of the best left-backs in the division:

According to the piece, there’s a lot in Liverpool’s favour in pursuit of the player. It’s noted that there’s an affinity between Kolasinac and his compatriot Zeljko Buvac, who is the assistant to Klopp at Anfield. Joel Matip, who moved to Merseyside from Schalke on a free transfer, is also said to be close to the player.

Liverpool are an attractive proposition at the moment. Not only is there space for a natural left-back in the squad—midfielder James Milner has been filling in this term—under Klopp the team is playing some wonderful football. It’s a setup plenty of players would love to be a part of.

Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard thinks the defender would be a good fit for Liverpool:

A new left-back would cast further doubt on Moreno’s future at the club. Since arriving from Sevilla in 2014, he’s yet to completely convince, often offsetting bright displays in the final third with some mindless pieces of defensive play.

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Indeed, Moreno epitomised his Liverpool career during Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace, when he was drafted into the side to replace Milner. During the game he raided forward to great effect, playing a key role in the Reds’ opening goal. However, he failed to get tight to his man in the build-up to the Eagles’ second goal.

Per James Dall of ESPN, Moreno has some major flaws in his game, and he’s showing no signs of improvement:

Kolasinac does have a tendency for being a little rash in his defensive work, but overall he’s shown much more consistency in this facet of his game than Moreno. His energy, versatility and ability to influence the play high up the pitch are also attributes that would undoubtedly appeal to Klopp.

If Liverpool can get this transfer done, it’d be more savvy recruitment on their part. You sense Moreno would need to make major improvements to work his way back as the first choice, and he’s yet to show signs that critical process is underway.