Liverpool deny Pavard transfer links

Reports linking Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard with a move to Liverpool have been played down by sources at the club. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg named Liverpool as a “hot candidate” for his signature, while SportBILD’s head of football Christian Falk reported that Pavard’s agents are “already talking to Liverpool” about a move. However, Merseyside reporter Neil Jones has indicated that club sources have informed him that there is little truth in the speculation and any move for the player looks highly unlikely this summer. Jones stated that Pavard’s age, 27, is not in Liverpool’s usual bracket of buying players, and that it would be hard to see him become a Liverpool player this summer. Football Insider’s David Lynch also echoed Jones’ stance on the links, revealing that sources have indicated that a defensive signing remains a “priority” but there is “no truth” in the Pavard links. While Pavard appears to not be of interest to the Reds this summer, the growing links certainly indicate that Liverpool are in the market to strengthen the defence this summer. Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s new hybrid role across right-back and midfield places greater emphasis on the three defenders behind him, meaning that the manager could look to identify a specialist to operate in one of those positions. Midfield remains a key priority for Liverpool in the transfer window following Alexis Mac Allister‘s arrival from Brighton, but there looks to be plenty of appetite for defensive reinforcement too.