Report: Liverpool's dream summer transfer target is £80m star who 'looks like a Man United player'

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Liverpool are likely to target a new midfielder this summer, with Adam Wharton emerging as a ‘dream’ option.The Reds have been flimsy in the middle of the pitch all season long, and an addition is needed to add a little more steel and panache.According to The Daily Mail, Wharton is currently seen as being top of the shortlist at Anfield, where he is also reportedly joined by two more up-and-coming young midfielders. What’s your score prediction for Liverpool vs Crystal Palace? 🔮 A tough game for the Reds in recent times…Credit: Dan Istitene/Getty Images Liverpool want Adam Wharton as a priorityThough Liverpool do have other areas to address this summer – notably wide forwards and potentially at centre-back and full-back – the deficiencies in their midfield should not be overlooked.Thankfully, reports have ramped up in recent days that a move for Wharton will be explored, and the Mail now corroborate that.The 22-year-old is described as being a ‘dream midfield acquisition’ for the Reds, with his passing ability, off the ball talents and age hailed as being key factors.Liverpool will reportedly face competition from ‘many teams,’ despite a proposed £80m transfer fee, and Ryan Giggs’ recent claim that Wharton ‘looks like a Man United player‘ could hint at where the Reds’ biggest competition may lie.Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Liverpool interested in signing Rafael Leao as ‘excellent value’ AC Milan price-tag emergesKees Smit and Archie Gray are on Liverpool’s radarDespite his obvious qualities, there are some reservations over Wharton joining Liverpool.

His lack of pace could be a serious problem in a midfield which is already on the slow-side, and he is perhaps not the physically sturdy player Slot has been crying out for.Nevertheless, the Mail name two more possible targets for Liverpool who are of a somewhat similar profile.Talented AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is claimed to have ‘tentative interest’ from the Reds, while Tottenham’s Archie Gray is also said to be ‘one to watch’ if Spurs get relegated.Gray is rapid, which would be a bonus, but is also of relatively slight build, and there would be some worries that he may not add enough physicality.Smit, meanwhile, is a bigger, more robust midfielder, but is not exactly the specimen Liverpool feel to need either. There may be others on the shortlist too, but with these three seemingly taking precedence, an image of what the Reds are looking for can begin to be built.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox