Liverpool and United to go head-to-head for Bayern defender
Published:Liverpool are set to rival Manchester United in the chase for Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng, according to German newspaper Bild.
Brendan Rodgers, who has led the Reds to the top of the Premier League with six matches left to play, is a known admirer of the former Manchester City man and has made him one of his top defensive targets for the summer.
Manchester United are set to rival the Merseyside club for the 25-year-old’s signature with reports suggesting he could be on the move once again.
Liverpool, who are 15/8 to win their first Premier League title, have almost guaranteed a return to the Champions League next season and barring a catastrophe will be able to use Europe’s premier club competition to attract the world’s top players.
And signing the German international, who has been a key component of Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga title win, would show a huge statement of intent from Liverpool.
Despite the success of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge in attack, questions have been raised about Liverpool’s strength in depth in defence and the club have also been linked with a move for Ashley Cole as well in recent weeks.
Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel have been Rodgers’ first choice pairing when both have been fit but with doubts about Kolo Toure’s future at Anfield and concerns over Mamadou Sakho’s fitness, Boateng could be the man to bolster a defence that has shipped 39 goals so far this season.
Manchester United, who face Munich in the quarter-final of the Champions League, also have issues to sort out in defence in the summer with Nemnja Vidic leaving for Inter Milan and concerns over the futures of Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand.
Under-fire manager David Moyes has identified Boateng as a summer target but with the possibility of no Champions League football on offer at Old Trafford, it would take a substantial financial package to convince the German to leave the Allianz Arena.
If the former Everton man succeeds he could face an even trickier job convincing Boateng to snub rivals and possible champions, Liverpool.
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