Liverpool transfer news and rumours: Reds linked with swoop for AC Milan midfielder

Lazar Markovic will be given a chance to prove himself at Liverpool AND Jurgen Klopp urges his side to challenge for a top four spot

Liverpool are set to move for AC Milan midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura, according to reports in Italy.

Transfer Market Web claim Jurgen Klopp is interested in the 26-year-old Italian.

Anfield chief Klopp is ready to oversee a major reshaping of his squad this summer as he plots Liverpool's route back to the top.

Bonaventura, whose Milan contract is set to expire in June 2019, is also being tracked by Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

He is valued at €18.5million (£14.3million) - a valuation the Reds would have no issue meeting.

Markovic to be given second chance by Klopp

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Lazar Markovic will be given the chance to work his way back into the reckoning at Liverpool.

Markovic joined the Reds for £20million in the summer of 2014 but endured a disappointing campaign last term and was sent on loan to Fenerbahce in August

The 22-year-old is currently back with Liverpool to treat an injury and Klopp revealed he has spoken to the player about his future.

"Lazar has a muscle problem so he is back for us at the moment," Klopp said.
"You will have to ask the doctor for the exact diagnosis but he’s not available. He’s not our player for this season so he will have to go back.
"We had a little talk about things. I said at the start of pre-season you will be very welcome and then it’s up to you."

Lucas set for lengthy spell out

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been dealt a big blow after confirming Lucas faces up to six weeks on the sidelines, writes Mirror Football's Jacob Murtagh.
The Brazilian picked up a thigh problem while taking a penalty in Sunday's Capital One Cup final defeat against Manchester City.
Lucas saw his spot-kick saved by Willy Caballero as the Reds suffered Wembley heartbreak at the weekend.
And Klopp has now confirmed Lucas, who impressed playing in the centre of defence, could be out until mid-April.
Meanwhile, Mamadou Sakho has returned to training after missing the midweek win against City as Liverpool avenged their loss.

Klopp urges Reds to fight for top four

Jurgen Klopp wants his resurgent Reds to stay angry and target a top four spot, writes Mirror Football's David Maddock.

Liverpool produced an impressive display against Manchester City to close the gap on the Champions' League places, and their manager believes they are now entering a crucial stage of the season.

His side lie six points behind the two Manchester clubs who are vying for fourth spot, and he now wants them to show the consistency they have lacked this season to aim for Europe.
"Six points is not the world. In our situation I would like to say we take each point but we have to show it," Klopp said.
"Consistency was not our hobby until now in this season so we have to improve in this part of the game and stay in the race."

Clyne: Flanagan had Sterling in his pocket

Nathaniel Clyne has hailed Liverpool teammate Jon Flanagan for having Raheem Sterling "in his pocket" during Wednesday night's win over Manchester City, writes Mirror Football's Jacob Murtagh.
The Reds full-back was making only his third start after more than 18 months out injured, but managed to keep Sterling quiet during the 3-0 victory at Anfield.
And Clyne has welcomed the competition provided by Flanagan for Liverpool's right-back berth.

"He was quality," the No.2 told Liverpoolfc.com.
"He was up against a tough player in Raheem but he had him in his pocket and he stuck into him well and had a good game.
"[I’ve been] very impressed. For a player who has been out for so long, he’s come back [and looked] like he’s never been away really.
"His performances have been quality and he’s getting back to match fitness, which is good for the club to have more competition for places."

Sturridge trains ahead of Crystal Palace trip

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge trained on Friday ahead of his side's trip to Crystal Palace this weekend, writes Mirror Football's Liam Corless.
Sturridge is expected to return to the Reds' starting line-up for Sunday's visit to Selhurst Park after missing the midweek win over Manchester City.

The 26-year-old was left out of the matchday squad to face City on Wednesday after playing the entire 120 minutes of the Capital One Cup final three days earlier.
He was affected by cramp towards the end of that match and Jurgen Klopp was unwilling to risk his star striker against Manuel Pellegrini's side.
Liverpool's players appeared to be in good spirits as Klopp put them through their paces at Melwood.
The comprehensive win over City moved Liverpool up to eighth in the table and to within six points of a top four berth.