Star TELLS Liverpool his major transfer request

Liverpool have learned the one major request from a reported transfer target. Can they still get a deal done?

Liverpool almost certainly need to sign a new left-back. Andy Robertson appears to be in decline, while Kostas Tsimikas is far too inconsistent to be the Reds' first-choice in the position.

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Something's got to happen, then.

There are plenty of options, too. Milos Kerkez is linked with both Liverpool and Manchester United. Alvaro Carreras could be a good option, as well, while Antonee Robinson has been a rumoured target for a year now.

But perhaps Liverpool could go a bit more niche with it. We imagine that depends on the long-term viability of Robertson in the role and if the club see him lasting a couple more seasons, we may see them take a punt on a young talent.

One that's been linked recently is Malick Diouf of Sparta Prague. Reports in Senegal claim Liverpool have genuine interest in him and there's reason to believe it's true.

Diouf is a very exciting talent at left-back, still only 20 and able to attack with consistency. The Reds may fancy developing him to take over from Robertson.

But if that's to happen, they'll have to give him one demand.

Malick Diouf talks Liverpool

MF DNES report quotes from Diouf where he openly discussed the possibility of joining Liverpool. He's clearly unsure about the reality of the Reds' interest but he is sure about one thing: he wants to play.

"I know that one day I will take the next step [from Sparta]," says Diouf. "That day is approaching, but I have to be convinced that it is happening at the ideal moment so as not to slow down my development.

“I don’t know if [the Liverpool interest] is true. Yes, it sounds nice, but would I play for Liverpool? Would I fit in there?

"For me, it is essential that I don’t stop. It is difficult to move from the substitutes’ bench. I need to play."

This is increasingly a problem for Liverpool. They want to sign the brightest young talent around, usually because they're undervalued.

But the team is too good to actually give them games. It's one of the reasons why we believe they'll ultimately miss out on Stefanos Tzimas.

Liverpool can't bring in these youngsters and play them regularly as first-team stars. They lack the experience to get that much football.

If Diouf sticks to that demand, we're not sure Liverpool are a viable option. The Reds may need to start looking more seriously at big-money targets if they truly want to upgrade.

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