Sheffield United target Kostas Tsimikas is now wanted by Liverpool, according to Greek media outlet Sdna.
Fos Online originally reported of the Blades interest in Tsimikas, as one of four Olymiakos players they are apparently targeting.
We have previously written about links with Mady Camara and Omar Elabdellaoui, with Pape Cisse completing the quartet.
Yet in the case of Tsimikas, it appears United face plenty of competition. Inter Milan and Napoli are both keeping tabs on the left-back. Meanwhile, there is further interest from the Premier League, with Arsenal, Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur also linked.
It’s thought it would cost around £22m to sign Tsimikas. That is a fee that would put the Serie A duo out of the running for the 23-year-old.
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Why Sheffield United could still have hope of signing Tsimikas
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Liverpool entering the race to sign Tsimikas would usually be a blow for the Blades. The runaway league leaders are a more attractive prospect with their increased finances and promise of European football.
Apparently the Reds became aware of Tsimikas’ talents during the two Europa League last-32 legs against Arsenal. Olympiakos eliminated the Gunners and this interest was cemented when they played Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next round.
However, the report says that Jurgen Klopp views Tsimikas as a replacement for Andrew Robertson. It’s said that Robertson is in “decline” and they want the Greece international to take his place on the left side of defence.
This would probably come as a surprise to most Reds fans. The Scot has been the standout performer in the English top flight in his position for at least two years.
Robertson was named in the PFA team of the year last season and was likely to repeat the feat this time around before the suspension of the campaign due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As for United, there are doubts about whether they would need Tsimikas either. They currently have Enda Stevens as left wing-back, who has greatly impressed following their promotion.
Ben Osborn has been a capable deputy for Stevens when required. Therefore signing another option for £22m seems unlikely.
