Liverpool should attempt to sign James Ward-Prowse alongside their pursuit of Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister.
That's according to Micah Richards, who's backed the Reds to test the waters for already-relegated Southampton captain Ward-Prowse. The England international, 28, couldn't keep the Saints in the Premier League despite another impressive individual campaign, scoring eight goals from midfield and registering three assists.
Mirror Football understands Liverpool are making significant progress in their pursuit of Mac Allister, who Brighton value at £70million. The Argentina international is understood to be on the move to Merseyside and Richards reckons that Jurgen Klopp should remain on the south coast for the Reds' next target.
Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, the ex- Manchester City defender explained: "We have to be honest: he is a saleable asset for Southampton and plenty of clubs will be keen on him. He will be a smart buy for someone and it would not be the worst decision in the world if Liverpool, who need a replacement for James Milner, or Newcastle tested the water when the window opens."
Ward-Prowse was asked about his future shortly after Southampton's relegation was confirmed on Saturday following a 2-0 loss at home to Fulham. "I'm not thinking too far ahead," the Saints hero told the BBC. "We've just been relegated form the Premier League. I'm not looking beyond tomorrow.
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"It's about sticking together and dealing with it in the right way. Over the last 10 years we have had that kind of consistency and that has wavered. It will be testing for everybody but these are the times that make you as a player and as a club, we have done it before and we will do it again."
Liverpool stalwart Milner looks to be heading to Brighton on a free transfer, with the two clubs in talks over the past few weeks ahead of the summer transfer window opening on June 10. Mason Mount has also been mentioned as a midfield target for Klopp and co, as his deal with Chelsea expires in 2024 and the Blues could be forced to cash in.
Liverpool are also set to wave goodbye to midfield duo Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with their respective deals expiring this summer. The Reds have already abandoned their pursuit of English sensation Jude Bellingham, who's been their No.1 midfield target for much of the past year, but he'll cost too much to sign from Borussia Dortmund.
Klopp has already confirmed that his club will be active in this summer's market, saying in April: "We play a very average season, we have to do business in the market - we will do it! Spending in football combined with football knowledge will lead to improvement, that's very likely. So, it's not rocket science we are talking about. We have the year we have, but we will be ready to fight again, for whatever. We will see that - you will see that."
