Liverpool Line Up Defensive Alternative As Leicester Reject Chilwell Offer

News broke last night that Liverpool had hit a brick wall in their pursuit of Leicester’s Ben Chilwell.

They have been pursuing the 19 year old for some time now, but Leicester’s asking price has meant that the deal has been left in limbo.

As per a report in the Telegraph, Liverpool bid £7m for the player – a £5m flat fee plus £2m in add-ons – but with the Premier League champions holding out for £10m for a player yet to make his league debut, Jürgen Klopp is set to consider other alternatives as he looks to provide competition for Alberto Moreno in the left back position.

Liverpool could return to the deal later in the summer, or wait until Chilwell is free to move at the end of his contract next summer, but Klopp is said to be looking at a number of targets in the event of the club failing to land Chilwell.

The same report has identified Scottish international Andrew Robertson as someone who Klopp could turn to as an alternative to the England Under 21 international.

The 22 year old, who currently plies his trade at Championship side Hull City, has been earning plaudits for his performances in England’s second tier but question marks will still be asked about his ability to make the step up should he make the move to Anfield (though admittedly those questions should also be asked of Chilwell).

Klopp is apparently determined to add a specialist left back to his squad next season. Alberto Moreno has looked very shaky in the role and Brad Smith, while dependable, has yet to show that he can be a long-term challenger for the role.

That said, Klopp’s interest in young players such as Chilwell and Robertson does appear to indicate a willingness to persist with Moreno as first choice, at least until his understudy usurps him.

The reaction to Liverpool chasing a Championship left back over someone like German international Jonas Hector, however, hasn’t been particularly positive…

Everton linked with James Rodriguez and Liverpool linked with Andy Robertson…. scenes.

— Andy LFC (@AndyPalinLFC) June 22, 2016

Let’s sign Jonas Hector!
No I got a better idea let’s sign Ben Chilwell with a back up of Andy Robertson instead! Liverpool in a nutshell

— Evan (@SimplyJurgen) June 21, 2016

Liverpool had a £7 million pound bid rejected for Chilwell Leicester want £10 million Robertson alternative just get Hector #LFC

— LFC Hub (@LFCHub_) June 22, 2016

‘Is Rodgers still on the transfer committee?’ https://t.co/yWEE5Xlqnv – #LFC fans unimpressed by transfer news pic.twitter.com/cpFi6kCsw4

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 22, 2016

Dont know anythin about Chilwell but 10mil for Leicester reserve full back is crazy and Robertson nowhere near good enough. Get Hector! #LFC

— Carl White (@carlwhite83) June 21, 2016

Nonetheless, despite the interest in Robertson, it would seem that Chilwell is still Klopp’s preferred target of the two.