Liverpool are now reportedly eyeing a shock move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur – a player Jamie Redknapp dubbed Antonio Conte’s ‘unsung hero’.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have been linked with plenty of midfielders ahead of the January window as the Reds look set to re-shape their options in the middle of the park.
Of course, Liverpool has been touted as a possible destination for Jude Bellingham, with David Ornstein claiming this week that Klopp is ‘leading the pursuit’ to sign the Dortmund star.
But more surprising links emerged from Argentina yesterday as El Crack Deportivo claims Liverpool are among the teams interested in signing Bentnacur.
The 25-year-old only completed a switch to north London from Juventus back in January but he’s been a revelation in Tottenham’s midfield.
Now, he’s apparently been identified as a possible target for Klopp as the German looks to bolster his midfield options.
Liverpool want to sign Bentancur
The outlet also claims that Real Madrid and Manchester United are interested in Bentancur after his impressive form in England.
The Uruguayan midfielder has been a standout performer for Spurs and made an instant impact after his January switch.
He helped guide Tottenham back into the Champions League last season, alongside Dejan Kulusevski. But he’s taken his game to another level this season and has started to chip in with goals from midfield.
Bentancur has bagged five goals and registered two assists for Conte’s men this season, scoring some crucial late goals for the north Londoners.
He also impressed at the World Cup as he played in a deeper role for Uruguay but couldn’t prevent them from exiting the tournament in the group stages.
His displays for Tottenham have led to high praise from Jamie Redknapp. The former Liverpool midfielder told the Sky Sports Football Podcast that he’s been Conte’s best player this season.
He said: “I always think about the engine room. Bentancur for Spurs has been their unsung hero. Harry Kane gets all of the plaudits, but Bentancur has been the best player for me pound-for-pound. He does things in such a quiet way,” as transcribed by HITC.
TBR View: Bentancur deal seems highly unlikely
There’s no doubt that Bentancur would be a good addition to the Liverpool midfield if his recent performances are anything to go by.
But Spurs only signed the Uruguayan just under a year ago and he put pen to paper on a deal that runs until 2026. It would take a massive bid from Liverpool to tempt Tottenham into selling one of their best players.
Liverpool also seem determined to bring Bellingham to Anfield and links with Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez seem more realistic than the apparent interest in Bentancur.
