Liverpool handed boost in pursuit of Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam after agent admits he won't sign a new deal
- Faouzi Ghoulam looks set to call time on his Napoli career at the season's end
- The left-back has been monitored by a host of top European clubs
- Liverpool have on several occasions been linked with the 26-year-old
- The Algerian has more one year remaining and can leave for free in the summer
Liverpool have been given a boost in their pursuit of Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam, after an agent admitted the player is unlikely to pen a new deal inItaly.
Last season Ghoulam emerged as one of the most monitored defenders in European football, with a host of elite clubs enquiring about his services.
One such club were Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, who have had persistent problems establishing a first-choice left-back.
Liverpool have been given a boost in their pursuit of Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam
Ghoulam remained with Napoli as the summer transfer window closed, but has only one year remaining on his current deal.
Speaking to the media this week, agent of Mario Rui - Mario Giuffredi - has offered some input on the situation.
Rui, on loan at Napoli from Roma, is vying for a starting position with Ghoulam at left-back, and is widely expected to take over from the Algerian once he departs the club.
'I'm sure that as soon as he's ready Mario Rui will demonstrate his worth even if, it has to be said, Ghoulam is irreplaceable right now,' said Giuffredi as reported by Football Italia.
The Algerian recently showed his attacking prowess and got among the goals for Napoli
After failing to bring in defenders Jurgen Klopp drafted Alberto Moreno back into the team
'I don't think Ghoulam will renew with Napoli, and it's enough to think that in four months he'll be able to sign for whoever he wants for nothing.
'He could earn €5m and if I were his agent I'd do that, and I don't think the others are stupid. I don't believe these stories that Ghoulam wants to renew, if he wanted to renew he'd already have done it.
'Besides, with the way he's playing Napoli can't afford to put him in the stands. After August 31, it's the player who has the handle of the knife,' the agent added.
Liverpool will be hoping to add to their defensive ranks after starting the season conceding goals aplenty.
The Reds were hopeful of bringing in Virgil van Dijk along with full-back cover, though a move for the Southampton star did not materialise and Alberto Moreno was brought back into the fold following a season on the sidelines.
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