Former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger has advised Liverpool to stick with Jurgen Klopp, and not waste their time targeting Jude Bellingham this summer.
The young England midfielder is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer after impressing with England in the Qatar World Cup last year, and Liverpool have been linked as one of the clubs keenest to sign him.
However, they could face competition from Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and both Manchester clubs, and potentially other sides, for a transfer that could cost around £120 million.
Liverpool have struggled this season under Klopp and as a result, Berger thinks that sum should be spent on more than one player to reinvigorate an ageing midfield.
Berger told Betting Sites: “I still think that if it comes down to money Liverpool won’t be able to compete with the likes of Man City for Bellingham. Even Chelsea might be in for him because it looks like they can buy anyone these days. Will Jurgen Klopp want to go all out and spend £120m on one player?
"I think Klopp needs more than that because I see a few players leaving. James Milner, for example, he’s done an unbelievable job and can play in any position but his time is up and Liverpool should be looking at younger players now.”
The Czech playmaker also thinks Spanish youngster Stefan Bajcetic will help improve the side, adding: “I think Bajcetic is already showing he will be one of the biggest bargains in Premier League history. Injuries gave him the chance initially but since he came up from the youth team he has grasped the opportunity brilliantly.
“He adapted so well and so quickly and that’s why Klopp likes him so much. Against Everton he was the star player in the team and in a tough game away from home against Newcastle he was outstanding as well. I think he can be one of the main players for Liverpool in the future.”
After a similar downturn after years of success at Borussia Dortmund, Klopp left the German club with his players fatigued, but Berger has backed Klopp to stick it out at Anfield, and thinks he should be given more resources to succeed.
“It’s at that crucial time where Klopp has to rebuild his team and he’s not been getting the money he would like,” he explained.
“But I think the board are going to provide that in the summer and I hope he will be able to sign the players he wants and needs to strengthen the squad. As Jamie Carragher said, he is the last person in the football club that you would be looking to change. He’s the right man for the job 100%.”