€120m deal? Don't do it Richard Hughes - Johan Manzambi is right there

A proposed €120m deal is not what Liverpool need. Not when Johan Manzambi is right there.

Liverpool need a midfielder and they're certainly in the market for one. The Reds may lose Curtis Jones this summer, after all, but even if he stays, things have to change.

A lack of control through the middle cost them last season, both in and out of possession. Signing someone new who can inject some life into midfield feels like a must, even if the wing is currently Liverpool's priority.

But who?

Elliot Anderson's move to Manchester City has massively inflated the market, as seen by one reported price tag in the wake of it. Defensa Central reports that Adam Wharton has been offered to clubs, including Real Madrid and Liverpool, at a price of €120m.

Now, that's an extraordinary amount of money. Yes, it's slightly less than Anderson's fee but Wharton also isn't the standout talent that he is.

In our view, it's just far too much for the player you'd be getting. Value for money, especially after the massive spend last summer, must be something of a priority and that means avoiding inflated fees like this.

Especially when there are better options out there. Johan Manzambi at Freiburg is one of them - a player who has enjoyed a remarkable breakout World Cup.

Manzambi excels going forward with the ball but also offers something defensively. He's also proven himself at the highest level with his efforts for Switzerland this summer and while Newcastle United are hoping to land him, Liverpool simply must get involved.

The Chronicle suggests that Manzambi would cost around €42m - around a third of the fee for Wharton. And that's for someone we think might actually be the better player down the line (if not already).

It certainly makes the fee Crystal Palace are asking for seem ridiculous and surely Liverpool will feel they can do better. With Manzambi right there, the Reds should abandon any Wharton plans and move for the Swiss star instead.