Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is on the brink of finally joining Liverpool having been linked with a move to Anfield for much of the summer transfer window
The proposed move of Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool from Bayern Munich has taken a major step forward with the German champions lining up a replacement.
The future of Gravenberch, 21, has been the subject of intense speculation all summer with both the Reds and Manchester United in the race for his signature. And after being confined to a bit-part role so far this season under Thomas Tuchel, the player himself admitted to reporters last Sunday he was unsure how the final week of the transfer window would pan out.
With United seemingly more focussed on sealing a deal for Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat, Liverpool have capitalised. The club have opened negotiations with Bayern over a permanent deal, with BILD reporting that the ex-Ajax star has also been persuaded after holding private talks with Jurgen Klopp.
However, Bayern's lack of midfield back-up appeared a potential snag in any deal being advanced. Indeed, manager Thomas Tuchel was involved in a frosty conversation with reporters on the subject after his side's win over Augsburg last Sunday.
The Dutch international is set to be given the green light to go though if Bayern can secure the signing of Paulhinha from Fulham. The Portuguese star struck a late equaliser for his side at Arsenal on Saturday, in what now appears his final club goal.
Having only arrived from Sporting Lisbon for £20 million last summer, the Cottagers are set to make a significant profit on the 28-year-old. According to the Evening Standard, they have already a rejected a £40 million offer from the German giants.
But Tuchel and co are widely expected to improve their offer. Time however, is not on the side of any of the parties involved, with the summer transfer window closing at 11pm on Friday.
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Despite Gravenberch being keen to head to Anfield, Klopp will be anxious until the deal is done following a frustrating summer. The Reds had bids accepted for both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, from Brighton and Southampton respectively, but both players turned down a move in favour of joining Chelsea.
The German boss responded by signing Wataru Endo from Schalke, adding to the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. But after a string of squad departures since the 2022/23 campaign ended, he still wants more reinforcements.
Gravenberch joined Bayern for an initial £15 million fee in June last year. He made 33 appearances for the club in all competitions, the majority of which came from the bench.
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