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For most fans looking at Liverpool's squad and asking where reinforcements are needed the answer seems obvious: fullback. Jose Enrique spent most of the season out injured and his long term prospects remain up in the air; Glen Johnson had a season that could be called inconsistent at best and is entering the final year of his contract with it looking as though Liverpool will allow it to run down next summer; and promising though his season was, Jon Flanagan remains something of a question mark.
Two weeks ago, the club sent a signal to fans that they were well aware of the need to bring in another fullback or two by leaking to friendly journalists that Alberto Moreno was their top defensive target. The 21-year-old Spaniard is coming off a breakout season with Sevilla that sees him ranked as one of Europe's top fullback prospects, second only to Southampton's Luke Shaw for many, and he will spend the summer in Brazil as part of the Spanish national team.
As far as top targets go, it makes for encouraging reading. It also makes for a player likely to cost a great deal. If reports from Marca are to be believed, Liverpool and Sevilla may be closing in on an agreement—and the price is indeed high. Twenty million Euros high, plus sending 20-year-old attacking midfielder Suso in the other direction. Valued at a similar level to Luis Alberto, who Liverpool signed from Sevilla last season, would give the deal a total value of around €27M—or £22M.
It's hardly a bargain for a player who still has some growing to do, but put in the perspective of the fee Shaw—currently further from the finished product—is likely to fetch when he leaves Southampton, it's not entirely unreasonable. The most difficult part for many would be the inclusion of Suso, a favoured prospect amongst many fans. However, with one year left on his contract and playing as he does at Liverpool's deepest position, one can understand the club making him available for the right price.
The right price, it appears, may be aiding in the capture of Moreno. Sources familiar with the Liverpool end of discussions believe the interest is real, and the latest reports out of Spain line up with them, suggesting both that Sevilla always knew Moreno would be leaving this summer and that they find the current proposal discussed with Liverpool to be agreeable. Real interest on one side, willingness on the other, an agreeable fee. And just maybe Liverpool's next left back.
