TRANSFER TARGETS The World Cup players Liverpool could chase this summer including Xherdan Shaqiri and Alisson

They may have had a disappointing Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid but there is a feeling of optimism around Liverpool Football Club.

The Reds have made good strides under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp and he is gradually building Liverpool up as a team that can compete with the very best.

Liverpool almost won the Champions League last month in a productive 2017/18 season

And with the 2018/19 Premier League fixtures being announced, it’s clear to see a good start is very important for Liverpool if they are to mount a title challenge.
Liverpool’s 2018/19 Premier League fixtures
The likes of Naby Keita and Fabinho are coming to Anfield later this summer, which suggests the club means business.
However, there have also been some setbacks for Liverpool in the transfer window including the breakdown in the deal for Nabil Fekir when the Frenchman was poised for a move to Merseyside.
But the World Cup gives players looking for a move the opportunity to showcase their talent on the biggest stage of them all and Liverpool may look to take advantage of this.
Below you can see some players who will feature in the World Cup that the Reds could make an approach for in the summer.

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Alisson – Brazil

A goalkeeper is definitely the priority for Liverpool this summer as Simon Mignolet has made too many mistakes over the years, while Loris Karius appears to crumble in the big games after his nightmare display in the Champions League final.
Alisson seems to be the man Liverpool desperately want but the likes of Real Madrid are also interested in him which could scupper the Reds’ chances of buying the keeper.

Jack Butland – England

If they fail to land Alisson, Stoke keeper Butland could be a more realistic option to be Liverpool’s no.1
Butland could not prevent the Potters from Premier League relegation last season and a number of clubs will be interested in acquiring him.

Nabil Fekir – France

Although the deal for Fekir collapsed, it would not be surprising if Liverpool tried again later this summer.
Lyon appear open to selling their captain for the right price and the Reds came back for Virgil van Dijk despite Southampton’s best efforts to put Liverpool off last season.
And if Fekir can have a good tournament for Les Bleus then that will surely extinguish any doubts about signing him.

Keita Balde – Senegal

However, if Fekir does not sign for Liverpool, they could look for Balde as an alternative.
Monaco’s attacking midfielder is a less technical player but has bags of pace and fitness and is international team-mates with Sadio Mane so this could help get a deal over the line.

Florian Thauvin – France

He had a pretty unsuccessful time at Newcastle but Thauvin has reignited his career at Marseille.
Thauvin is in the France squad but is not expected to feature that greatly which could work out for Liverpool as they could get him for a relatively cheap price. 

Xherdan Shaqiri – Switzerland

Shaqiri has made no secret of his desire to leave relegated Stoke and Anfield is one place he could go to should he leave.
The ‘Alpine Messi’ is reportedly available for £12million which is a bargain in today’s market.

Wilfred Ndidi – Nigeria

The Leicester man has been linked with an Anfield move and would provide some great energy in the middle of the park.
It could be a notorious partnership with Keita if that deal was to go through. 

Sami Khedira – Germany

After it was announced Emre Can would be leaving Liverpool, it is suspected he will join Juventus when his contract at Anfield expires.
And German midfielder Khedira could be heading in the opposite direction as a result.