Liverpool identify second Chelsea star they want to sign this summer as Klopp eyes midfield reinforcements

Liverpool have added Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher to their summer transfer shortlist, according to reports.

Jurgen Klopp plans to overhaul his midfield, with a smattering of incomings expected to move to Anfield this summer.

When asked about a potential deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, he replied: “I will not answer the question (of a £100 million signing) because we never speak about these kind of things.

“We will spend in the summer, that’s what I can say definitely. The club will spend in the summer, definitely. For who and how many and stuff like this, there is nothing to say about, really.”

Liverpool currently sit in eighth place in the Premier League, seven points adrift of their Champions League qualification rivals Tottenham in fourth.

And with a lack of viable options at his disposal, the German manager has named Gallagher as a potential signing for his side, with the energetic midfielder being seen as the youthful exuberance Liverpool have been lacking in the middle of the park this season.

According to The Independent, Chelsea would ‘at least consider an approach’ for Gallagher, which gives Liverpool some hope if they do wish to make a concrete move for the England international.

The 23-year-old has played 33 times for his boyhood club this season, scoring just one goal in the process.

A mass exodus is on the horizon at Stamford Bridge due to Chelsea needing to trim and refine their squad, as well as balancing the book to help stay within the confines of Financial Fair Play, which could open the door for Gallagher – who was linked with a switch away in January – to leave Chelsea.

This is not the only Chelsea midfielder Liverpool are hopeful of securing this summer, with Mason Mount also being monitored by Klopp’s side.

Mount is out of contract in 2024 and with negotiations on hold until the summer, the possibility of an extension for the 24-year-old is becoming increasingly unlikely as the weeks and months pass.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with Mount and grown increasingly confident in recent months of winning the race for the midfielder should he depart Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea and Liverpool have both struggled this season, with either side sitting in 11th and 8th respectively.

And with the clubs facing off on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, the victors will be looking to make a late push for European qualification for next season.