Kylian Mbappe is the name that just won’t go away for Liverpool.
The French forward, now into the final six months of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain, is free to negotiate with clubs over a potential transfer ahead of the summer.
Liverpool are once again being mentioned as a potential destination for the prolific forward, who they would be able to sign on a free once his current deal expires at the end of the current campaign.
Mbappe is not the only player the Reds could snap up for no transfer fee, however. We have taken a look at five other names who could be targeted on a pre-contract agreement, below.
READ MORE: Liverpool must make January transfer decision on four players as plans change
READ MORE: Liverpool must wait for £35m transfer as Jurgen Klopp gets unexpected boost
Mario Hermoso, Atletico Madrid
The 28-year-old centre-back began his career with Spanish giants Real Madrid and now plays for their local rivals, Atletico.
Hermoso has made over 150 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side and could provide some much-needed depth in a part of the pitch Liverpool are lacking options in.
It remains to be seen what happens with Joel Matip’s future at the club, with the Cameroonian also out of contract in the coming months. Should Matip be moved on by the Reds, this would only intensify the need to recruit in this area.
It is worth remembering Matip arrived at Anfield on a free transfer. Perhaps Hermoso could follow in his footsteps and prove to be a success.
Adrien Rabiot, Juventus
The French midfielder has been linked with Liverpool on multiple occasions in the past and again finds himself in an uncertain position as regards his future.
Rabiot was set to walk away from Juventus last summer, though decided to prolong his stay in Italy by a further year in June.
A player of his ability could not be sniffed at should the opportunity of a deal present itself to Liverpool this month, ahead of a summer switch.
Piotr Zielinski, Napoli
The Pole infamously almost ended up a Liverpool player in 2016 and was even pictured holding a Reds shirt with his name on the back, only to later sign for Napoli.
Zielinski has remained at the Italian club ever since and has been a fantastic servant to his current employers over the years.
Inter and West Ham are also said to be keen on the 29-year-old, ensuring Liverpool would need to act quickly to stand any chance of striking an agreement.
Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City
Liverpool are yet to find a long-term solution to their No.6 problem, but could do so by snapping up Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi.
The Nigerian defensive-midfielder has featured 21 times for the Foxes in the Championship this campaign, playing a starring role in their outstanding run of results which has seen the club take complete control in the race for top spot.
Speaking last month on whether talks had been held with Ndidi and the other seven first-team players approaching the end of their contracts, Leicester manager Enzo Maresca said: “Not yet. I want all of them focused on this season and our target. Then we will see in February and March where we are at and take a decision.
“In this moment, the most important thing is to be focused, to continue in the way we are doing and this is the only thing I am worried about today. We have time for the new contracts.”
Lloyd Kelly, Bournemouth
Another defensive option for Liverpool to consider is Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly.
The former Bristol City star is able to perform at centre-back and left-back, offering the Reds greater options for their rearguard that will soon be in need for a refresh. Still only 25-years-old, Kelly has plenty of years left to compete at the top level and would also boost Liverpool’s homegrown quota in the process.
Currently out injured for “some weeks” after going off in a recent win over Sheffield United, this is unlikely to be an issue by the time his eventual move to Anfield would come around in the summer.
Commenting on the player’s future at the club, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said in December: “It is a little bit similar (to Solanke). I don’t want to lose any of our best players. Lloyd Kelly is one of our best players, for sure. But you never know what is going to happen every time the window is open.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
