Graeme Souness has cautioned Liverpool against signing Premier League midfield trio Romeo Lavia, Cheick Doucoure, and Kalvin Phillips this summer.
The Reds are in the transfer market to bolster their midfield options following the release of Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in June. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are also expected to leave for Saudi Arabia in the coming days.
Jurgen Klopp have brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai but is hoping to add another midfielder to his squad by the end of the month.
Souness told Sky Bet’s Fan Hope Survey: “They have signed two central midfield players, and I personally would like another couple of midfield players. I think the midfield needs a complete overhaul, and if they get the right ones then they can be challenging [for the title].
“It’s paramount that there’s strength in midfield, that was where our issues were last year – but I think the rest of the team is more than good enough. They’ve signed two so far, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister, but I think they need more than just that.”
Several midfielders have been linked with a move to Anfield including Ryan Gravenberch, Aurelien Tchouameni, Joshua Kimmich, Doucoure, Phillips, and Lavia.
The Merseysiders are in talks with Southampton for the signing of Lavia. The 19-year-old is also attracting interest from Chelsea and Arsenal following his impressive performance for the Saints last season.
He is valued at £50m but Souness believes there are better players out there and has urged Klopp to look elsewhere.
“I’m not sure if they should be going after any of those players,” the former Liverpool manager added.
“Liverpool historically, since Jurgen Klopp has come in, have done really well in the transfer market with a few exceptions, but nobody gets them all right. I would imagine they would have their eyes on better players than Lavia, Phillips, and Doucoure.”
He concluded: “In terms of recruitment, I like Alexis Mac Allister, he is a player that we know can deal with the Premier League intensity and he showed that at Brighton.
“He plays in an area which is not easy, further up the pitch, in that sort of number 10 role where he’s expected to chip in with goals, create chances and deliver the final pass. He can do all that.
“Another great thing about him is that he works his socks off – I think he will be a success.”
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