Liverpool dealt transfer blow with target ‘desperate to remain in London’

Liverpool have been dealt another blow after it emerged that Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is keen to stay in London.

It was a season to forget for the Reds, who escaped any silverware chance.

Meanwhile, their hopes of qualifying for next year’s Champions League competition appear to have faded and Jurgen Klopp is pining for the summer transfer window.

Among the names linked with a move to Anfield is Kante, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

After Liverpool dropped out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham, Kante would act as a much cheaper alternative and help shore up their fragile midfield. However, according to de Kante’s entourage, the 31-year-old is eager to stay in the capital, putting a serious strain on Liverpool’s transfer plans.

Liverpool dealt a huge Kante blow

Liverpool will go red if Kante is available, says Football Insider.

Though recent comments suggest the French international may be rejecting their advances due to his ‘London ways’.

During an interview with French newspaper Le Parisien, Kante’s entourage said: “N’Golo would like to continue his career in London, where he has his habits,” it was explained.

“He He liked working with Antonio Conte, but he was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur”.

Arsenal have also reportedly investigated the midfielder’s availability, but have opted instead to sign Blues team-mate Jorginho. “Arsenal also made a request,” he said. “I think he will extend his contract at Chelsea before going to the Middle East in two or three years.”

Elsewhere, Liverpool have reportedly created a seven-man shortlist which includes Mason Mount, Connor Gallagher and Youri Tielemans as Klopp targets a major overhaul this summer.

Also.. 

Roberto Firmino has agreed to join the Spanish giants when his Liverpool contract expires this summer.

Firmino has revealed he wants to leave Liverpool when his Anfield contract expires.

Roberto Firmino is reportedly set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of June at the end of his current spell at Liverpool.

Spanish outlet El Nacional said Los Blancos want a Brazilian striker for Bosman and are seeking a deal to sign Steve McManaman, who rejected new terms at Anfield to move to the Spanish capital in 1999. The report will be a blow to Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff, who are trying to convince Firmino to stay for at least another year. The 31-year-old has lost the patience that has made him a key part of Klopp’s pressing system in recent years, but retains the intelligence and composure that plagues the top team. 

Liverpool are currently in transition, currently 8th in the Premier League and likely to miss out on Champions League football next season. Klopp’s side have been criticized for a lack of dynamism all year and the aging squad is in dire need of renewal. Fans are urging the German coach to set aside some of his faithful for the next generation.

Klopp therefore believes he is tired of dismantling the team too soon and sees Firmino as a key presence in the dressing room. The Reds boss has already seen Sadio Mane leave in 2021 and is eagerly awaiting the departure of another member of the dreaded Mane-Firmino-Salah trident.

Real Madrid see Firmino as a cheap option to buy time in their long-term search for the next number 9 shirt. Karim Benzema is now 35 years old and despite consistent performances in the Champions League, he cannot go on forever.

The Spanish giants are hoping to bring Kylian Mbappé to the Bernabeu but understand it could be years before that is possible. Bobby can be a great emergency worker.