Liverpool are likely to “speed up” their attempts to sign Patrick Dorgu in order to avoid a battle with rivals for his signature, according to reports in Italy.
SoloLecce.it claims that the Reds are preparing to offer €30m (£25m) plus bonuses which could take the total cost of the transfer to €40m (£34m).
Dorgu has spoken about a potential transfer to the Premier League in the past. Back in April last year, he admitted that he was a Chelsea fan, but he emphasised that wouldn’t stop him from joining another English club:
“I have been a Chelsea fan for many years, so of course it’s clear that it is a dream. That’s not to say I can’t switch to other teams in the Premier League, but even if things aren’t going so well for them right now, they’re my team.”
What do fans need to know about Dorgu?
The Denmark international can play in multiple positions. While he made his debut for Lecce as a left-back, he has been mostly deployed as a right-winger this season.
Dorgu has probably been identified by Liverpool as a potential replacement for Andy Robertson, whose form has dropped off alarmingly over the course of the last six to twelve months.
Liverpool will have competition for the player
While Dorgu has expressed a desire to play for his boyhood club Chelsea, it is believed that Arne Slot’s side may face stiffer competition from Manchester United for his services.
Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Red Devils are interested in the 20-year-old, along with another reported Reds target Milos Kerkez.
It could well be the case that if Liverpool signs one of them then their rivals will pursue the other.
Read our exclusive interview with Emmanuel Petit as he explains why Liverpool did not pursue Khvicha Kvaratskhelia