Liverpool target Tsimikas as Lewis bid is rejected

Liverpool are set to move for Olympiakos left-back Konstantinos Tsimikas if Norwich do not accept a bid for Jamal Lewis.

Per The Athletic, the Canaries have already rejected a £10 million bid for Lewis from the Reds. They want a fee closer to £20 million.

The player is keen to move to Anfield.

If the clubs cannot agree on a fee for the Northern Ireland international, Liverpool will move onto other targets, with 24-year-old Tsimikas seemingly the next in line.

Sportime have reported that the Premier League champions have made a proposal to the Greek side.

With both the player and club president in England after Olympiakos' Europa League tie with Wolves, negotiations could potentially advance.

Which left-back will end up at Anfield?

Liverpool do not want to spend big this year due to the current financial crisis brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yet signing a back-up left-back is a necessity for the club.

While numerous names have been touted, it seems like it has come down to either Lewis or Tsimikas.

It is clear that Lewis is the first-choice in the hunt for Andy Robertson's deputy, but it is very unlikely that the club will spend £20 million on him.

If the Greek international is available at a cheaper fee, then he will probably be the one who joins.

There are pros and cons of each player signing for Liverpool.

There is little doubt about the fact that Tsimikas has had a much better season than Lewis.

In the Champions League and Europa League this season, he made a staggering 5.6 tackles and interceptions per game.

He also made an average 1.3 key passes per game, as well as 1.7 dribbles.

While data is only available for the 10 European games he played in 2019/20, his numbers are fantastic. He seems a very capable defender and attacker.

Lewis, on the other hand, was a part of the Premier League's worst defence last season.

He suffered relegation and even lost his place to right-back Sam Byram midway through the season.

Yet he showed that he is very talented, with numerous raw tools to be an excellent fullback. He also proved this at a young age in the Championship in 2018/19.

Tskimikas may have had a better season but did so in a weaker league.

Lewis is also two years younger and is homegrown, which are both big plus points in his favour.

Either way, both players are very sensible targets.

Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards will sign the player they see as the best option, with all factors considered.