Pundit tells Klopp that Palace star would be ‘perfect signing’ at Liverpool
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been told a deal for Wilfried Zaha would make be ideal if they want to apply pressure to their front three.
The Reds looked to bring in Timo Werner this summer from RB Leipzig before deciding a deal was too pricey.
A report on Sunday cast doubts over Rhian Brewster’s long-term suitability to challenge for a shirt at Anfield. That would mean Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah’s place in the side remains largely unchallenged. Divock Origi is another option to Liverpool, but the Belgian isn’t perhaps seen as good enough either.
However, pundit Tony Cascarino has an ideal solution in the shape of Zaha.
Zaha has been heavily linked with moves to Arsenal, Everton and Borussia Dortmund over the last two summers. However, he is is yet to get his move away from Selhurst Park.
Despite that, Cascarino, speaking in The Times, claims he would be ideal for Liverpool.
“It is difficult to see where Wilfried Zaha could go,” he said.
“I think he would be perfect for Liverpool. He would put pressure on the frontline trio of Mane, Salah and Firmino. The champions though are unlikely to pay the kind of fee Palace are demanding.
“Should Zaha remain at Selhurst Park beyond the deadline, Hodgson will need all his managerial experience to ensure he remains focused. Zaha will soon be 28. There are some Palace fans who would not begrudge him a move to a club that can win trophies.
“Equally, they will grow frustrated if he stays and the performances he produced, post lockdown, return.”
Cascarino added: “The transfer window is open and it is no coincidence that Wilfried Zaha looks back to his swashbuckling, matchwinning best.
“When football returned after lockdown, I wrote in these pages that the Crystal Palace forward looked disillusioned and was in desperate need of a fresh start.
“Zaha scored the only goal in an excellent individual performance against Southampton. Hodgson was clear that Zaha still believes his future lies elsewhere.
“Hodgson has done an excellent job of managing Zaha since he made clear his intentions to leave. The transfer deadline is not until October 5. Until then, you expect Zaha to put in the kind of performances that keep him in the shop window.
“But what if he does not get his move by then?”
Hodgson on Zaha future
Tottenham have also been tipped to make a big-money approach for the winger.
However, Hodgson is adamant he Eberechi Eze was not bought as his replacement.
Hodgson said: “We have made clear all along there was no intention from the club to move Wilf Zaha on.
“Realistically every year we have to face up to the prospect if a club comes in and makes a big bid for him, then we might not be able to keep him.
“We are pragmatic but there is no question we are signing the player (Eze) to replace him. We are signing the player (Eze) to play with him and make us stronger.”