Paul Stewart has called for Liverpool to turn their attentions away from Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez and concentrate on agreeing a new deal with Jordan Henderson.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is looking to freshen up his midfield options after seeing Georginio Wijnaldum reject a new deal in favour of a move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer.
It has led to Spanish outlet Sport reporting that Liverpool are keen to sign Niguez, who reportedly earns £200,000-a-week, with Xherdan Shaqiri or captain Henderson potentially moving in the opposite direction.
Shaqiri is also attracting interest from the likes of Serie A outfit Lazio after a lack of action last season.
Contract talks with Henderson have stalled in recent days, leading to questions over his long-term future at Anfield.
Atletico, along with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, are now monitoring the central midfielder’s situation and Diego Simeone’s side may be interested in doing a deal which includes Niguez heading to Merseyside.
But Stewart insists Henderson is better than Niguez, exclusively telling The Transfer Tavern: “I don’t see that deal happening.
“I don’t think he’d be a great addition to Liverpool. I know he’s been around for a long time but they might as well ask Jordan Henderson what he would want to stay, because I don’t think you’re getting anything better with Niguez.”