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Jürgen Klopp confirms he's ready to spend as Liverpool close in on Ryan Sessegnon and other transfer targets

Klopp confirms that he has the money to spend on the transfer targets that The Independent revealed this week

Jack de Menezes

Friday 19 May 2017 11:13 BST

Jurgen Klopp will strengthen his Liverpool squad in the summer transfer window (Getty)

Jürgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool will spend in the summer transfer window to strengthen his squad, with the club growing increasingly confident that they will land their top targets.

The Independent revealed this week that Liverpool are closing in on Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon, with Klopp determined to strengthen his options at left-back after having to field James Milner in defence throughout the season.

Liverpool are also hopeful of bringing in Southampton’s Virgial van Dijk – though they face much stiffer competition for his signature – while Klopp is also looking to move for Hull City’s Andrew Robertson after seeing the Tigers relegated from the Premier League.

"We are a club without financial problems and we have money to spend,” Klopp said on Friday ahead of this weekend’s season finale against Middlesbrough.

He went on to stress that he is happy with his first XI, but wants to strengthen the options he has outside of that to not only provide competition for places but to also cover any injuries his squad suffers, having been hit by a number of issues this season.

"We have a really good side when our first 11, 12, 13 players are fit,” he added.

The two other targets that Klopp has in mind are Red Bull Leipzig forward Timo Werner and midfielder Naby Keita, with a number of player departures also planned for the summer.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Show all 9

1/9Liverpool summer transfer targets

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Naby Keita

A difficult signing to pull off, but one that Liverpool are interested in making. Keita's dynamic performances in the centre of RB Leipzig's midfield have caught Klopp's eye, but also the attention of Bayern Munich, who are also monitoring the player.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Timo Werner

Werner scored 21 goals in the Bundesliga last season as his goals fired RB Leipzig to second place and a first-ever Champions League qualification. The German club are keen to keep him but money talks and Liverpool are desperate for an out-and-out goalscorer.

Bongarts/Getty Images

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Dusan Tadic

The Southampton attacker is out of favour on the south coast and desperate for a way out of the club. Liverpool are interested in him to provide competition and back-up to the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana with the added strain of European football.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Andrew Robertson

Given Hull's relegation to the Championship, Robertson is one of the players in the shop window. Left-backs are at the forefront of Klopp's transfer activity and Robertson will come fairly cheap.

Getty

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Somewhat surprising reports have arisen over recent weeks that Chamberlain will be a Liverpool player next season. A disappointing season for Arsenal has left their squad in disarray, and it is thought that the 23 year-old midfielder is seeking a new challenge. The player’s versatility across midfield positions is an appealing to Klopp, who will need added squad depth. Arsenal will not be keen to sell to a rival, but if the rumours are to be believed, Chamberlain has his heart set on the Merseyside club and a £35 million transfer could well be on the cards.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Douglas Costa

The 26 year old Brazilian winger has gained plaudits for his performances at the German champions, yet the player stated earlier in the season that he is ‘not that happy’, presumably at missing out to Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben regularly. He would cost upwards of £25 million and have plenty of suitors, meaning Liverpool are simply one of many clubs he could choose from, although he did recently ‘like’ a tweet from a Liverpool fan about the possibility of him joining the club. There is also a chance that Costa is happy in Munich but is seeking an improved deal, which would come as no real surprise.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Ryan Sessegnon

Sessegnon is a long-term option at left-back for Liverpool with the 17-year-old lighting up the Championship with Fulham. With only Alberto Moreno, who is expected to leave, and James Milner available in that position, Klopp wants to bring in at least two. He faces competition from Manchester United and Tottenham though.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The most speculative target on the list is Gabon forward Aubameyang, who became a household name under Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund. Constant questions over his future are expected to culminate in a move this summer, and while his former boss will no doubt be interested, European giants Real Madrid are circling and thought to be his preferred destination. While the versatile Roberto Firmino has had a good season deployed as Liverpool’s first choice striker and Divock Origi a promising talent, they still lack a world class centre forward like Aubameyang. Dortmund CEO Hanz-Joachim Watzke stated earlier this year that the striker, who has three years to run on his contract, would only leave ‘for an outrageous fee’.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Jonas Hector

A player Klopp will know well, the 26 year-old is thought to be a serious option with the manager unconvinced by Alberto Moreno. James Milner has deputised brilliantly this season but an out-and-out left back is a priority for the summer. Hector has earned 27 caps for Germany since 2014 and is known for his excellent positional understanding and for putting in accurate crosses. It is thought he would cost in excess of £20 million, which could be well worth it for a good player approaching his prime years.

However, Klopp will not look to sign a new goalkeeper, despite the trouble Liverpool have had in goal this season with neither Simon Mignolet nor Loris Karius instilling a confidence in their abilities.

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