Liverpool are keeping close tables on Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell, it has been reported.
The Reds are very likely to be in the market for full-backs considering Alberto Moreno will be allowed to leave the club after his contract expires in the summer.
The former Sevilla man will not be renewing his contract, and that will leave a void in the Liverpool squad.
According to Dailystar, Liverpool are chasing Chilwell alongside rivals Manchester City, Tottenham, and Arsenal.
Chilwell has managed to displace Christian Fuchs from the first team, and has developed well which led to an international call-up with the English national team last year.
Ben Chilwell would be a smart addition to the Liverpool defence
The Liverpool defence has improved remarkably since Virgil Van Dijk, and although the Dutchman has taken a lot of the credit, some recognition should go to the full-backs as well.
The duo of Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have done well, and Chilwell isn’t too different from the current first-choice Liverpool full-backs.
Although Chilwell is unlikely to displace Robertson from the starting lineup, the Leicester man is someone who can offer more depth and be used more regularly than Moreno.
Moreno was often criticised for his inability to defend, as the Spaniard‘s strengths are his ability to stretch play and maraud on the left. Chilwell, on the other hand, is someone who performs his defensive duties well.
Under former Leicester manager Claude Puel, Chilwell developed well and looks a lot stronger than he was when he initially broke into the first team. So far this season, Chilwell has made 29 appearances for the club, and has averaged at least one tackle and interception a game.
The 22-year old is pretty strong for a full-back, and has won at least three aerial duels a game, which would help Liverpool in dead-ball situations.
So impressive have Chilwell’s performances were that he has also picked up three man of the match awards, an impressive feat for someone as young as him.
Leicester are likely to play hardball if Liverpool do make a bid, so it’s going to have to be something on the higher end as Chilwell’s current contract with the club runs until 2024. The price-tag Leicester have put on the player is £50m, but that seems a bit too steep for the player.
If Liverpool can get Chilwell for somewhere around £35m, it would be a good move by the club.
Stats via Whoscored