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Journo explains what he’s heard about €35m deal LFC reportedly completed two weeks ago – terms worth €4.5m/year

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 17: Renato Sanches of OSC Lille looks on during the UEFA Champions League group H match between AFC Ajax and Lille OSC at Amsterdam Arena on September 17, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)

The Liverpool Echo’s Paul Gorst says that Renato Sanches moving to Anfield is problematic due to his wage demands.

Earlier this month, Pedro Almeida reported that a move to sign Sanches from Lille for €35m was done.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JUNE 23: Renato Sanches of Portugal warms up prior to during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between Portugal and France at Puskas Arena on June 23, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – JUNE 23: Renato Sanches of Portugal warms up prior to during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between Portugal and France at Puskas Arena on June 23, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Angel Martinez – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

The player was alleged to be in agreement with the Reds over personal terms worth €4.5m/year – an agreement stretching back to December 2020.

Gorst reveals what he knows

Paul Gorst reports that the Lille star’s wages would be a sticking point and it’s clear that Almeida’s claims were wide of the mark.

He writes: “With Sanches, the issue would be that he is a player who would come in on wages that would not fall in line with where his place would be within the squad.

UNSPECIFIED, AUSTRIA - JULY 12: Naby Keita of Liverpool during a training session on July 12, 2021 in UNSPECIFIED, Austria.

UNSPECIFIED, AUSTRIA – JULY 12: Naby Keita of Liverpool during a training session on July 12, 2021 in UNSPECIFIED, Austria. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“Would he be ahead of Keita? There is an argument to say yes, but those who love Keita would say not.

“So that means Sanches would be a tough one to bring in, and I think if they are looking at midfield options, it might be elsewhere.”

Sanches or Saul?

I’m personally disappointed that Yves Bissouma is no longer part of the conversation as he was one of my favourite non-Liverpool Premier League players to watch last season.

The Malian has all the tools to be a superb performer under Jurgen Klopp but so too do Renato Sanches and Saul Niguez.

MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 26: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid Celebrates 1-0 during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico Madrid v Athletic de Bilbao at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on October 26, 2019 in Madrid Spain.

MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 26: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid Celebrates 1-0 during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico Madrid v Athletic de Bilbao at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on October 26, 2019 in Madrid Spain. (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)

As things stand right now. Liverpool cannot move for any of their first-choice targets and that includes PSV Eindhoven striker Donyell Malen.

Whether Klopp signs Saul or Sanches is down to the tactical system he is looking to implement.

If he wants a more mobile unit able to damage sides on the counter-attack, then Sanches is the man for Liverpool.

If he wants to return to the style of play that saw the Reds win the Premier League on 99 points by playing carefully in possession once a goal or two up, then Saul is the man for the Anfield outfit.