Liverpool handed blow in chase for Premier League defender

One of Liverpool’s problem areas this season has been at left-back.

Long-time first choice Andy Robertson left the club on a free transfer in the summer, and his presence is greatly missed.

Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas are the Reds’ current options, but both have frustrated on the pitch this season and neither looks truly ready to be the starting left-back in a side fighting for multiple trophies.

The pair’s performances this season have led to plenty of talk that Liverpool will turn to the transfer market this winter, but things have just become complicated in the pursuit of one top target.

Liverpool target to be offered new deal

Several names have been mentioned as options for the Reds ahead of the January window, but one of the most interesting players linked with a Merseyside move is Tyrick Mitchell.

The 27-year-old doesn’t particularly fit the profile of player that Liverpool typically target, young with a high ceiling, but the Englishman has been one of the Premier League’s top left-backs in recent years.

Now, according to a report from Football Insider, Crystal Palace are pushing to agree a new deal with the England international ahead of the January window.

Having already proven his ability in the English topflight and won trophies with Crystal Palace, Mitchell is a ready-made alternative to Kerkez and Tsimikas that could arrive at Anfield for a low fee.

Mitchell is into the final year of his deal at Selhurst Park, and it valued at just €17.8 million (~£15.3m) by FootballTransfers, making him a very affordable prospect in January if a new deal cannot be agreed.

It is no wonder Palace want to tie down Mitchell, who has become a cornerstone of the team, but Liverpool will be hoping they can turn the player’s head.

The Reds will no doubt be keeping a close eye on Mitchell’s situation, and an opportunistic bid could arrive in the winter window if the Eagles still haven’t tied their starter down.