Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Bernard has jumped to the top of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool summer shopping list, according to the Daily Mirror.
The newspaper claim that the Reds manager will make it his top priority to sign an attacking midfielder this summer as he looks to replace Philippe Coutinho.
The Daily Mirror report that Arsenal will provide the Reds with competition for his signature as they have previously registered an interest him.
It is believed that the Reds’ chances of signing Bernard at the end of the season have increased after Inter Milan pulled out of the race for him.
Gazzetta Dello Sport reported that the Italian giants had immediately stopped their pursuit of the skillful Brazilian playmaker, after watching him play several times.
Bernard, who can play on either flank as well as an attacking midfielder, has scored 10 goals in 29 appearances for Shakhtar Donestsk this season.
Good move for Liverpool?
Potentially.
The 25-year-old playmaker would be available for free in the summer as his Shakhtar Donestsk contract expires at the end of the season, so there’s little risk to signing him.
However it’s unknown how Bernard would settle into the Premier League, as he’s never played in England’s top-flight before.
If the 25-year-old was able to adapt to the physicality and speed of the Premier League, he could easily be a revelation at Anfield, but it’s hard to know if he would be able to do that.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
There’s a chance as Bernard will be a free agent in the summer.
The 25-year-old will no doubt receive plenty of offers, but the prospect of playing for a great club like the Reds could be enough to see him arrive at Anfield.
If Klopp has really put Bernard top of his summer wishlist, then the Reds will go all out to get him.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10