Liverpool target SHINES on Michael Edwards' scouting mission

You rarely see Liverpool's CEO Michael Edwards or sporting director Richard Hughes in public.

The pair are normally two quite mysterious figures, who get either criticised or applauded by the fanbase, depending whether the club is moving in the right direction after a transfer window.

In the summer, Edwards and Hughes got their flowers for not just convincing FSG to spend £450m, but also for getting world class assets like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak into the club. Each of the players' reputations proceeded them, and it was out of character for Liverpool to be leading the charge for them.

More recently, however, they've come under pressure for their decision to back Arne Slot, despite the Reds' poor form which has gone on for too long, and the call to unofficially punish Mohamed Salah by leaving him at home for the Inter Milan clash, after he gave a stunning interview criticising the club.

On Tuesday evening, the two were reportedly present at the San Siro, presumably to keep an eye on Slot, although the current reports suggest that the Dutchman's position is not under threat, so it is entirely possible their attendance was a scouting mission.

Bastoni passes his Liverpool audition

Liverpool have been linked with Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni for quite a while now, and Ibrahima Konate's future isn't getting any more secure. As such, Liverpool need to start making plans to sign a defender.

The Italian ticks all the boxes you'd want from a new signing, as he's still just 26-years-old, despite him having the experience of someone much more senior. He was in the Italian national team that won the Euros in 2021 and he's been an ever-present leader at Inter since the 2019/20 season.

As the Nerazzurri captain, he's not going to come cheap, but his deal only stretches to 2028 and when you consider that Virgil van Dijk will be leaving Liverpool in the near future, it's important that we have the calibre of players that can limit the drop-off as much as possible.

Bastoni is in a similar category to the Dutchman right now. There are few better players Liverpool could look to sign.

In front of Edwards and Hughes, the defender made five clearances, won six of his duels and created a big chance, in addition to two further opportunities. There was also a successful dribble and three long-balls made as well. The only black mark was the penalty Liverpool were awarded.

However, it's must be said how laughable the referee's call was in awarding it to the Reds for a slight tug on the back of Florian Wirtz's shirt. Liverpool won the game 1-0 off the back of the incident, and although the goal was controversial, the result is all that matters for Slot.

It's been blatantly obvious for a few months that recruitment in the defence is necessary, and when Edwards and Hughes are present at a game where one of our targets is playing, it doesn't take much to connect the dots. Bastoni held his own under the spotlight and a deal could be in the works.

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