By Noel Whelan

20th Jan, 2023 | 12:27pm

Pundit backs Liverpool to agree Ruben Neves deal after source reveals 'concrete' interest - '100%'

Noel Whelan has claimed the signing of Ruben Neves would be a “much-needed boost” for the struggling Liverpool midfield as they line up a late-window move.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted midfield is “the root of a lot of problems” for Jurgen Klopp’s side at present.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (17 January) that Liverpool have turned their attention to a late-window deal for Wolves star Neves, 25.

An Anfield source explained that the interest is “concrete” and they will bid if offered encouragement a deal is possible.

Neves is out of contract in 18 months and Wolves have already added ex-Juventus and Southampton ace Mario Lemina to their ranks in the January window.

He has been a mainstay for the Midlands club since their return to the Premier League, notching 19 goals and eight assists in 160 top-flight appearances.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think they definitely need more options in midfield, 100%.

“They’ve got plenty of options like Henderson or Oxlade-Chamberlain, but these are players who can’t play the majority of games.

“They need more. They can’t go and get Bellingham this month – that’s not going to happen.

“They’ve held off and not spent in the midfield area, but Neves would be a good fit and would give them a much-needed boost in that area.

“The midfield is looking like the root of a lot of Liverpool’s problems right now.”

Liverpool sit ninth in the Premier League after shock losses against Brentford and Brighton in recent weeks.

The Reds’ ageing midfield, which includes the likes of Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara, has been a point of concern for fans and pundits alike.

In other news, finance guru claims Liverpool spending boom is imminent amid “crazy” £272m reveal.