Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has urged his old club to be proactive in the transfer market, identifying Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as an ideal replacement for Alexis Mac Allister and Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as a target to strengthen the attack.
Midfield overhaul needed
Mac Allister, like many teammates, endured a poor campaign as Liverpool limped to Champions League qualification. The 27-year-old played a key role in Argentina's run to the World Cup final, which they lost 1-0 to Spain on Sunday. He is now in the final two years of his contract, with no extension talks held and speculation linking him to Real Madrid.
Heskey believes Liverpool can upgrade on Mac Allister. "Well, centre-back is definitely a role that needs addressing with Ibrahima Konate gone now," Heskey told 10bet. "Though we've got the young lad - Gio [Giovanni] Leoni – coming back through who was injured. They also have Jeremy Jacquet who joined this summer. I also think Liverpool could do with a midfielder, to be honest with you. I think Alexis Mac Allister is fantastic, but they need someone who can rival him or even take his place - maybe Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace. He missed out at the World Cup but his time will come."
Wharton's credentials
Wharton was a surprise omission from England's World Cup squad, a decision that looked questionable as Thomas Tuchel rarely deviated from Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson. The 21-year-old managed a career-best seven assists from 53 appearances in all competitions this season, impressing with his vision and passing range. Spanish outlet AS reported on Saturday that Liverpool have made Wharton their "priority target" for midfield this summer. Given recent fees for Anderson and Morgan Rogers, Wharton is expected to cost at least £100 million.
Winger target identified
Liverpool look set to miss out on Yan Diomande, for whom they saw an £86 million bid rejected by RB Leipzig, after the Ivorian indicated a preference for Paris Saint-Germain. Heskey instead recommended Barcola. "If I'm honest, I'd go for [Bradley] Barcola," he said. "For the way Liverpool play, the club he's currently at, and the tactical style he's accustomed to, it just matches perfectly. He is incredibly direct, and that directness and raw energy on the left wing is something Liverpool have arguably been missing since Luis Diaz left."
The France international is under consideration as Liverpool look to move on from Mohamed Salah. His contract negotiations at PSG have stalled amid speculation of an exit if Diomande joins. Asked how Liverpool could convince Barcola, with Arsenal also interested, Heskey said: "The pitch is the sheer history of the club and the direction it's heading. You tell him about the icons who came before him on that pitch, and you tell him that he could be the next iconic figure to lift that club up to winning the league again. It's the absolute best crowd to play in front of. He would only need to come and experience one match there and he'd be completely hooked."
After France's World Cup ended with a 6-4 defeat to England in the bronze final, Liverpool's interest is expected to become clearer before the transfer window closes on September 1.
