Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp eyes £20million swoop for Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook to replace Emre Can
Red face losing German international for free in summer and boss has identified England's U20 World Cup winning captain as his ideal man to fill his boots
JURGEN KLOPP has targeted England midfielder Lewis Cook in a £20million deal to replace Emre Can.
The Liverpool boss is looking at his option as Can’s contract is expiring and he is set to join Juventus for free.
And Bournemouth youngster Cook has been watched by Kop scouts during a season where he earned a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad in November.
Cook, 21, has been a regular for Eddie Howe’s team in their climb away from relegation trouble into mid-table.
Liverpool have tracked his progress since leaving Leeds two seasons ago and continuing his progress on the South Coast.
They have been impressed with him lifting the Under-20 World Cup with England last year in South Korea, the country’s first triumph at a global tournament since 1966.
COOK-ING UP A STORM Lewis Cook is the first England skipper to lift a World Cup trophy since 1966… here is all you need to know about the U20s skipper
All eyes were on whether England’s talent would get games in the Prem but Cook has established himself at the Vitality Stadium after breaking into the team earlier in the campaign.
And now Klopp will look at a summer swoop to fill the massive gap left by Can in central midfield.
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The Germany international, 24, had not missed a game in two months before sitting out the Champions League win over Porto through suspension.
But with no breakthrough in talks over a new deal at Anfield, Klopp has needed to look at alternatives for next season.