Liverpool told to move for Newcastle United star by former Magpies midfielder

Former Newcastle United star Dietmar Hamann believes Liverpool could benefit from the ‘physical presence’ of making a summer move for one current Magpie.

The 59-times capped German international spent the 1998/99 season at St James Park as he helped United reach the FA Cup Final before hobbling out of a 2-0 Wembley defeat against Manchester United at half-time with an injury. The following summer saw Hamann join Liverpool in an £8m move and he went on to become a two-time FA Cup and League Cup winner, as well as helping the Reds lift the Champions League and UEFA Cup during his time on Merseyside.

The 49-year-old has continued to maintain an interest in the Premier League and his former clubs and he believes United star Joelinton would offer Jurgen Klopp a chance to add something different to his midfield options, which are reportedly set for an overhaul during the summer transfer window.

The likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Arthur Melo are all set to depart Anfield when their current deals come to a close and there have also been question marks over the futures of Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita. With Klopp considering several options to refresh his midfield, Hamann has revealed just why Brazilian star Joelinton should be on his fellow German’s shopping list as he looks to move on from what has been an underwhelming season.

He told i news: “I’d like a player like Joelinton from Newcastle, who’s got a physical presence. The players Liverpool have got are all very similar, and if you look at the size of the Newcastle team – size isn’t everything, but when you stand in the tunnel and see these guys you think, ‘Wow’, because they’re not just big, they can play as well.

“I would like a player of Joelinton’s stature, who can make a goal, has got a physical presence, is good on the ball, is just an all-round player, and hasn’t got too many defensive responsibilities with one player behind him. A player with a physical presence would suit Liverpool very well.”

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