Liverpool FC are reportedly stepping up plans to sign Marco Palestra this summer, as they look to strengthen their defensive options.

The 21-year-old right-back has caught attention during his loan spell at Cagliari Calcio, where his consistent performances and versatility have stood out.

Palestra is capable of playing in multiple defensive roles, making him a valuable option both for squad depth and long-term development.

Liverpool’s recruitment team views him as a player with strong potential who could gradually integrate into the first team while providing immediate cover when needed.

However, securing his signature won’t come cheap. Reports suggest a deal could cost around €45 million, reflecting both his rising stock and the growing demand for young, adaptable defenders in Europe.

If completed, the move would align with Liverpool’s strategy of investing in emerging talents who can develop into key players over time.

Jurgen Klopp waiting on Liverpool phone call – ‘it’s a strong rumour in my network’

Liverpool could call on former manager Jurgen Klopp to return to Anfield and replace Arne Slot.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who has not ruled out Klopp taking charge of Liverpool for a second time.

Klopp stood down as Liverpool manager at the end of the 2023-24 season after nearly nine years at the club, and having won seven major trophies.

The Reds are likely to be looking for a new manager in the summer, with Slot expected to be sacked by the club due to underperformance on the pitch this season following huge investment in the squad last summer.

Xabi Alonso is a strong contender to become Liverpool’s next manager, with the Spaniard also a popular choice amongst the fanbase.

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Strong rumours’ that Jurgen Klopp makes Liverpool return

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – states that Alonso is the “favourite” to become Liverpool’s next permanent boss.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness though believes Klopp is waiting to move back to Merseyside.

Games Managed489Games Won304Games Drawn100Games Lost85Jurgen Klopp’s managerial record in charge of Liverpool in all competitions.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “There was one interesting thought the other day that somebody gave me was to say that there’s Bonnie Prince Jurgen is waiting across the water to come back and reclaim his throne.

“Now, to me, that’s a little bit fanciful, but you never know. In football, we never know. And there is that rumour strongly circulating in my network and that could be the case.

“Now, Xabi Alonso, to me, is still the favourite to take over. I think the dream of Jurgen coming back is a bit of a big dream, but it would obviously be the go-to fantastic solution that would perk the Liverpool fans up.

“They’re going to have to get used to Xabi Alonso and I do think that will be the move that will be made.”

Liverpool want to agree Anthony Gordon deal

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool remain keen on signing Anthony Gordon in the summer transfer window.

The Newcastle forward is on the club’s shortlist to replace the departing Mohamed Salah, and the 25-year-old could be open to leaving St James’ Park.

Gordon remains admired at Liverpool despite his record of just six Premier League goals and two assists this season.

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot

According to reports, Liverpool have made a decision regarding Arne Slot’s future, while it’s been claimed that Jurgen Klopp wants to return.

Slot is enduring a poor second season at Liverpool, who have made a weak defence of their Premier League title.

The Reds are currently in a fight to qualify for the Champions League, while they look unlikely to win a trophy this season.

Liverpool face holders PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals and exited the FA Cup on Saturday, losing 4-0 to rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.

This does not help Slot’s position as he has gradually been losing fan support over his dull approach and poor results, while there has been a clamour for Liverpool to appoint club legend Xabi Alonso as his replacement.

Despite this, it has been widely reported that FSG are keen to stick with Slot as they feel that several mitigating factors have contributed to their current predicament.

READ: Guehi 5-0 Liverpool must force Slot sack after Manchester City channel Klopp blitz

And after the loss to Man City, BBC journalist Sam Drury insisted that this remains the case.

Drury said: “There remains no indication that the club are planning to get rid of Slot, either now or at the end of the season.”

But Liverpool will surely have to change their stance if/when they miss out on the Champions League, and a report from Football Insider and former Everton CEO Keith Wyness claims beloved former boss Klopp is keen on a return. It is also noted that Alonso is the “favourite to take over”.

“There was one interesting thought the other day that somebody gave me was to say that there’s Bonnie Prince Jurgen is waiting across the water to come back and reclaim his throne,” Wyness told Football Insider.

“Now, to me, that’s a little bit fanciful, but you never know. In football, we never know. And there is that rumour strongly circulating in my network and that could be the case.

“Now, Xabi Alonso, to me, is still the favourite to take over.

“I think the dream of Jurgen coming back is a bit of a big dream, but it would obviously be the go-to fantastic solution that would perk the Liverpool fans up.

“They’re going to have to get used to Xabi Alonso and I do think that will be the move that will be made.”

READ MORE: Arsenal ‘bottlemageddon’ continues as Liverpool should give Slot a statue… then sack him

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Slot sack: ‘Big decision’ called for after ’embarrassing’ Man City defeat

Slot sack: ‘Big decision’ called for after ’embarrassing’ Man City defeat

Guehi 5-0 Liverpool should seal Arne Slot sack

Guehi 5-0 Liverpool should seal Arne Slot sack

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However, club legend Johm Barnes has warned Liverpool against sacking Slot and appointing Alonso.

“We won the league with Arne Slot and all of a sudden we want to sack him? If he then goes and Alonso comes, suppose Alonso fails in his first six months or first year, are we going to say sack him and bring somebody else in?” Barnes told Liverpool Echo.

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“I always support the managers, whoever they are, because they come to the club because of their success, because they’re good managers, and they have to be given time.

“Jurgen Klopp was 20 points off the top when he first came, but we stuck with him. So I think Xabi will be a great manager one day, but I want Arne Slot to stay.”

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