Mino Raiola could ensure Liverpool given second chance in transfer chase

Liverpool could be sent a transfer lifeline thanks to superagent Mino Raiola ’s infamous hard-nosed negotiation tactics around his clients.

The Reds have made only one signing so far this summer, bringing in centre-back Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig at the start of the transfer window.

While Konate’s arrival helps to solve one issue with Jurgen Klopp’s squad, the German also needs to bring in reinforcements in attacking positions if they are to challenge for the Premier League title.

Amid their struggles with defensive injuries last season, Klopp’s side were also less effective up front, scoring their lowest number of goals since his first campaign in charge.

Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi failed to provide adequate back-up to Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah last term.

Mane and Firmino suffered downturns in form, leaving Klopp to target a new attacker during this summer’s window.

One potential target is PSV Eindhoven star Donyell Malen, who impressed for the Netherlands at Euro 2020, despite his country’s early exit from the tournament.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout season with PSV last season, scoring 27 goals and notching 10 assists in all competitions.

He scored 17 times in the Eredivisie as Roger Schmidt’s side finished as runners-up to Ajax in the Dutch top-flight.

While he mainly plays as a central striker, Malen’s goals have attracted the eye of Borussia Dortmund, who want to make him the replacement to the outgoing Jadon Sancho.

But Malen’s move to Signal-Iduna Park is stalling, with Raiola’s hefty demands for his own bonus at the heart of the problems.

According to Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, Dortmund are adamant they will not pay a fee in excess of £26million, especially if included in the deal is a £7.8m payment to Raiola.

The Ruhr Nachrichten backs up that report, claiming that the Bundesliga side are ready to take a stand against Raiola.

That appears to be a stance ahead of another of Raiola’s clients, Erling Haaland ’s, departure, which is expected within the next 12 months.

According to the two German papers, the interest of Liverpool in Malen is not causing any problems, with the player himself having already agreed personal terms.

But with Raiola holding out for a hefty transfer fee, which Bild-Zeitung clams could exceed £34m, Dortmund could kill off the deal.

If Dortmund do indeed kill their move for Malen, Raiola’s bargaining could bring Liverpool back into the fold for his client.

Having only signed one player so far this window, Liverpool would appear to be able to afford the £34m price tag.

With Firmino having consistently struggled for goals, Malen’s arrival could give Klopp a new consistent goalscorer to lead his side’s line.

That would help to bring them back into contention for the league, having seen their title defence collapse last year.