Liverpool ‘reach Gravenberch agreement’ despite Bayern star’s demands

Liverpool have reportedly agreed to meet Ryan Gravenberch’s contract demands after holding transfer talks with the Bayern Munich star’s entourage. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is in the market for a talented midfielder ahead of this summer’s exodus, with several experienced heads expected to leave Anfield.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all out of contract at the end of the season, leaving Klopp in need of new bodies in midfield. Furthermore, Juventus’ Arthur Melo is unlikely to sign permanently after an injury-hit loan spell from Juventus.

Jude Bellingham was long presumed to be Liverpool’s prime target in the middle of the park, but the club’s hierarchy have supposedly decided that the England teenager will be too expensive, and their interests would be better served by putting their eggs in multiple baskets.

Gravenberch would be a more affordable option, with his £16million move to Bayern so far failing to bear fruit. According to The Mirror, Liverpool held talks with the Dutchman’s representatives last week.

And although the Reds would have to pay £200,000 a week to match Gravenberch’s wages in Bavaria, those demands have not put them off as club chiefs broadly agreed to meet the terms set out.

Gravenberch was once considered to be one of the top prospects in the Netherlands, scoring 12 goals in 103 appearances for Ajax and gaining vast experience as a teenager. Since joining up with Bayern, however, he has been restricted to just one Bundesliga start all season.

Bayern officials are keen for Gravenberch to wait patiently for his chance, while new manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken glowingly about him in public, but the former Chelsea boss’ actions tell a different story as the youngster has only seen 10 minutes of competitive action since his appointment.

With a drastic overhaul expected in the summer, Liverpool are linked with a range of other talented midfield options including Chelsea star Mason Mount, Wolves ace Matheus Nunes and Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister.