Jurgen Klopp wants midfielder to cover for Sadio Mane during his Africa Cup of Nations duty
Liverpool are targeting a January swoop for out-of-favour Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan to cover for summer signing Sadio Mane, when the Senegal international heads off for international duty.
The 24-year-old winger will be absent for up to a month in the new year, when the Africa Cup of Nations commences, and the Reds boss wants quality cover for Mane – who has enjoyed a fine start to life at Anfield.
It is understood the move is in response to the Spanish giants’ interest in star man Philippe Coutinho, and are willing to test the Catalans’ resistance – although they have yet to make a formal offer to the Reds for the Brazilian.
Anfield chiefs are understood to be upset by Barcelona’s interest in Coutinho, and instead want Turan to link up with the Reds star on Merseyside.
Turan has completed just five games for Barcelona this season and it is understood the La Liga outfit would not be too concerned about letting the Turkey international go, despite there being four years remaining on his current contract.
Since joining the club in July 2015, Turan has made just 16 league appearances.
