Carlton Palmer tells FLW his verdict on Liverpool’s pursuit of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
The future of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was thrown into centre stage prior to the weekend’s opening round of Championship action
The Leicester City midfielder has been linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium this summer.
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool are interested in making a move for the 24-year-old.
Jurgen Klopp is looking to bolster his midfield options, and believes that his Premier League experience makes Dewsbury-Hall a smart potential addition.
The departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in recent weeks has left the squad looking a little light heading into the new league campaign.
Since this speculation has arisen, the Leicester academy graduate played a starring role in Enzo Maresca’s first competitive game in charge of the club.
The Foxes earned a 2-1 win over Coventry City at the weekend, with both goals coming courtesy of Dewsbury-Hall, scoring in the 77th and 87th minute to turn around a 1-0 deficit.
What does Carlton Palmer think of Liverpool’s pursuit of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall?
Carlton Palmer has praised the ability of the Englishman, but is sceptical as to whether Leicester will agree to a sale.
The former midfielder has predicted it will take a huge sum for Liverpool to win his signature this summer.
“Liverpool have expressed an interest in Dewsbury-Hall of Leicester,” Palmer told Football League World.
“The midfield player, very talented.
“But Leicester are not in a position now that they need to sell, having brought in significant funds from the sale of Maddison and Barnes.
“Hall is under contract until 2027, so Leicester are in the driving seat.
“Given his opening day input, his age and his importance to Leicester in that kind of holding midfield role, I think it’s highly unlikely Leicester will entertain any offers for him.
“Unless it’s a huge bid, I think they will keep the 24-year-old in their quest for automatic promotion.”
Leicester found themselves 1-0 down to Coventry to start the second half following Kyle McFadzean’s headed goal in the 47th minute.
But Maresca’s side earned all three points against the Sky Blues to get off to a winning start to the new season.
It has been a busy summer in Leicestershire in preparation for a promotion push back to the Premier League.
With just a few weeks remaining in the summer window, it remains to be seen what kind of business will happen involving Leicester.
Up next for the Foxes is a trip to face Burton Albion in the opening round of the EFL Cup.
Will Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall remain at Leicester City?
Dewsbury-Hall proved how important he could be to Leicester’s promotion push this year with his performance against Coventry.
His goals turned around the game, but it will be his defensive solidity that will help Leicester get the results they need consistently.
Having already lost Barnes and Maddison, it would be a tough pill for fans to swallow to lose another beloved first team squad member.
Liverpool have cycled through a number of options in midfield this summer but have come up short in terms of agreeing a fee, so could run into the same problems when negotiating with Leicester.
“This is embarrassing” – Jamie Carragher slams Liverpool as Romeo Lavia transfer saga continues
Jamie Carragher has hit out at former club Liverpool as they saw another offer rejected for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.
Jamie Carragher has hit out at Liverpool as they have seen another offer for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia turned down by the Championship club.
Southampton reject £45m offer for Romeo Lavia from Liverpool
It’s no secret that the Reds are very keen on doing a deal for the Belgian international, who was one of few bright spots for the Saints as they were relegated from the Premier League last season.
Having had two bids turned down already for the 19-year-old, it was revealed today that Liverpool had now had a third offer rejected, which would have been worth up to £45m including add-ons.
Southampton have maintained all summer that they will only sell the teenager, who has four years left on his contract, if they receive a £50m proposal.
What has Jamie Carragher said?
Jurgen Klopp had been desperate to add midfield reinforcements this summer, and whilst Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai look like excellent additions, Liverpool have sold Jordan Henderson and Fabinho this summer.
Therefore, more defence minded midfielders are required, and Carragher insisted on Twitter that Liverpool should get the deal done if Lavia is the man they want.
“This is embarrassing. Liverpool for years now have got deals done quickly with no fuss. If you don’t think he’s worth £50M, move on, if you really want him – pay it. Also, not sure why LFC aren’t in for Caicedo, yes it’s a lot of money, but Liverpool got big money for Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.”
This will be a view echoed by many other Liverpool supporters, who are disappointed with the transfer setup under the current ownership.
Will Liverpool make another offer for Romeo Lavia?
It remains to be seen whether they return with a fourth offer for Lavia, but the reality is that the two clubs aren’t that far apart on their valuation at the moment, which is where Carragher’s frustration stems from.
From Southampton’s perspective, they have made it clear from the outset that they want £50m, and if Liverpool don’t stump up the cash, they know there is other interest in the player.
In the current climate, with Declan Rice leaving West Ham for Arsenal for around £100m, Southampton will no doubt feel their valuation of Lavia is fair considering his age and potential. Plus, as mentioned, despite their relegation, they are in a strong position due to his deal not expiring until 2027.
Southampton summer transfer plans
This potential deal is going to have implications on what Southampton can do this summer, because £50m would be a huge sale for a club in the Championship.
So, they will have to wait to see what happens, as that money could allow Russell Martin to target higher value players, whilst it may also mean they can keep players they perhaps would have expected to sell.
Martin’s men impressed on the opening day as they won 2-1 at Sheffield Wednesday, with Lavia an unused substitute due to the ongoing transfer talk.
Saints are back in action at Gillingham tomorrow in the League Cup, and it will be interesting to see if Lavia is involved given Martin is expected to rotate.
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