Fabrizio Romano confirms summer talks held for €40million ace - Liverpool were 'most likely' to sign him

Liverpool are yet to replace Georginio Wijnaldum and this summer is unlikely to be when we see the Dutchman replaced while Fabrizio Romano says Renato Sanches has always been higher on the Reds' list than Florian Neuhaus.

As per usual, last summer saw Jurgen Klopp's side linked with so many names I lost count but Neuhaus seemed like a realistic target although nothing materialised and the club failed to replace Wijnaldum.

It's already cost the Reds points as COVID-19 and injuries have left Klopp with no choice but to play a midfield of Tyler Morton, Naby Keita and James Milner against Spurs.

Romano says Liverpool have always preferred Sanches to Neuhaus

Despite his numerous injuries, the Italian journalist has boldly told the Anfield Watch that Liverpool have always had Sanches higher up on the list.

"Renato Sanches has always been on the list for Liverpool.

"He is a player that they've been scouting and they appreciate but it is not true that it was a done deal in the summer.

"They were interested but they never made an official proposal because they were not happy with the price tag on him. Then he was injured so that collapsed things but they always had his name on their list.

"There are many clubs keep an eye on him, like AC Milan, so we will see.

"Florian Neuhaus is having talks with his agent, but nothing else at the moment. So for sure Renato Sanches has always been higher on Liverpool's list than Neuhaus."

Liverpool need to steer clear of signing another injury-prone midfielder

Naby Keita and Thiago are both injury prone but last season saw Fabinho and Jordan Henderson pick up numerous injuries as well and Liverpool simply cannot afford to sign another injury-prone midfielder in Renato Sanches.

He's a fantastic player and seems to rise to the occasion every time he plays for his national team but the Portuguese ace cannot guarantee he will be on the pitch for Liverpool every week.

That's one of the attributes Wijnaldum had that Liverpool are missing this season.

He was always available and helped provide Klopp with a strong defensive base upon which to build his 99-point Premier League winning team and he was a key figure in the Champions League triumph as he scored a brace to send Barcelona crashing out of the semi-final second leg.

In the summer, Mundo Deportivo claimed that Anfield was his 'most likely' destination before his injury and that he would have cost around €40million.

Lille were prepared to let him leave with president Olivier Letang telling trusted newspaper La Voix du Nord: “It’s an open secret. Renato could have left, he had an exit certificate."

Liverpool tend to be patient until they can find the ideal signing but Sanches simply isn't the best option out there at any price point.