Liverpool are keeping an eye on Juventus’ forward Federico Chiesa, who has entered the last 18 months of his contract, reported British news agency HITC on Wednesday.
Chiesa emerged as one of the best attackers in the world during EURO 2020 where he guided Italy to their European championship in their history.
The 26-year-old was in the news ever since his Fiorentina days but the move to Juventus helped him gain the spotlight. He moved to the Turin club in 2020 on a two-year loan deal, and was ultimately signed on a permanent deal in 2022.
Liverpool’s interest in the Italian forward is growing as the Merseyside club is in need of a wide attacker who can create as well as score goals.
The uncertainty surrounding star player Mohamed Salah’s future also forced the six-time Champions League winners to grow their interest in Chiesa.
Multiple clubs from the rising Saudi Pro League inquired about Egyptian in the 2023 summer but with the left-footed attacker entering the last 18 months of his contract, Liverpool want a backup ready should Salah decide against extending his contract.
Earlier, Liverpool contacted Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso to replace current head coach Jurgen Klopp, who is set to leave The Reds after nine years, reported The Mirror.
Liverpool is set to appoint Klopp's successor in the summer, and there has been communication between the club and Alonso to determine the Spaniard's interest in the role, as reported by the publication.
However, the report also mentioned that Alonso is satisfied with his current position at Leverkusen and aspires to lead them to their first-ever Bundesliga title.
After his tenure as a player at Liverpool, Alonso initiated his managerial career with Real Sociedad B. The spell endured for three years, during which he achieved a winning rate of just over 40 percent before departing in May 2022.
Five months later, Alonso secured his inaugural senior managerial position at Leverkusen, guiding his team to the Europa League semi-finals in his first season. In May 2023, the Spaniard inked a new three-year contract with the German club, and they made an impressive start to the current campaign and currently sit at top of Bundesliga.