Liverpool working on 'most important deal of all-time' to replace current star

Liverpool have launched a move for Lecce wonderkid Patrick Dorgu, according to claims in Italy.

The Dane is being lined up as the replacement for Andy Robertson. Robertson was a mainstay of the Reds' success under Jurgen Klopp, winning the Premier League and Champions League. But he has endured a difficult time since Klopp was replaced by Arne Slot in the summer.

Since being sent off against Fulham in December, Robertson has completed 90 minutes just twice in all competitions. He did start against Nottingham Forest but was hauled off to be replaced by Kostas Tsimikas with the Reds 1-0 down.

Tsimikas then delivered a perfect corner for Diogo Jota to equalise. To pile further pressure on Robertson, Liverpool are now taking firm steps to bolster their options at left-back.

According to Solo Lecce, Dorgu has emerged as the Reds' top target this month. The Premier League leaders are now said to be preparing a £33.6million bid for the verstaile 20-year-old. It is claimed the deal would be 'the most important future capital gain of all time' for Serie A side Lecce. Liverpool chiefs are said to have closely watched Dorgu, with the club sending scouts to watch him on four occasions.

Liverpool do face competition from Napoli for his signature, with Antonio Conte keen on him. Lecce now expect an auction for him to be 'hot', though it is unlikely Napoli would be able to match Liverpool's spending power.

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Image: DeFodi Images via Getty Images) DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Dorgu has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and notching one assist. While he has mostly featured as a left-back, the Dane has also been deployed on both wings and at right-back.

The Reds' chase for Dorgu comes after Robertson was warned he is no longer a 'key' player for Slot. Former Liverpool star Dietmar Hamann believes that the Scotland captain is not suited to Slot's style.

“Andy Robertson has the sending off and a few mistakes but I think he has just been a bit unfortunate. Sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way and that doesn’t mean that you’re not an exceptional player," Hamann said. “We know how good he is going forward and that is what he likes to do, I think he is still decent although there are a lot better players defensively out there.

“I think the system makes things a bit harder for Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but what we have seen is Konstantinos Tsimikas playing so Arne Slot doesn’t see Robertson as one of his key players.”

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