According to Goal, Liverpool have offered Pedro Chirivella a bumper new contract amid interest from Rangers and Nantes.
The 22-year-old midfielder joined the Reds academy from Valencia in 2013 and after a number of loan spells elsewhere, turned out six times under Jurgen Klopp in cup competitions this season.
The Spaniard is out of contract this summer and as a result, there has been plenty of speculation about his future.
The Daily Mail claims Ligue 1 side Nantes are ready to offer the player a three-year deal, while transfer expert Duncan Castles claims that Steven Gerrard wants him at Ibrox, but claims the player’s wages could be a stumbling block amid financial uncertainty [Transfer Window podcast].
Now, Goal reports that amid interest from those clubs, Liverpool have offered Chirivella a bumper five-year contract to stay at Anfield.
It’s suggested that the player is yet to reach a decision on his future.
Verdict
Chirivella has been very much in the background for Liverpool this season, so it’s a little surprising that the Reds are willing to offer him such a lengthy deal.
That said, it’s stated that the Anfield coaching staff have been impressed by his attitude and don’t want to allow him to leave for free.
From the player’s point of view, a long-term deal with the reigning European champions is bound to be tempting.
Yet, with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner ensuring that the Spaniard hasn’t made a Premier League appearance all season, it’s tough to see how he would get regular first-team action under Klopp anytime soon.
Rangers and Nantes are much more likely to be able to offer him playing time.
Given that the Gers have just announced a lucrative new sponsorship deal with Castore, it also seems likely they would be able to afford Chirivella’s wages, despite what Duncan Castles says.
However, the club have also been linked with a move for Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson [Scottish Sun] and it’s unlikely Gerrard would go for both players.
