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Liverpool interested in Norwich defender Jamal Lewis as Jurgen Klopp looks to plug Dejan Lovren hole

Jamal Lewis of Norwich in action during the English Premier League match between Norwich City and West Ham United - Liverpool interested in Norwich defender Jamal Lewis as Jurgen Klopp looks to plug Dejan Lovren hole - SHUTTERSTOCK
Jamal Lewis of Norwich in action during the English Premier League match between Norwich City and West Ham United - Liverpool interested in Norwich defender Jamal Lewis as Jurgen Klopp looks to plug Dejan Lovren hole - SHUTTERSTOCK

Liverpool are interested in Norwich City’s £10 million rated defender Jamal Lewis as Jurgen Klopp considers strengthening his options following Dejan Lovren’s exit.

Northern Ireland international Lewis emerged with credit from Norwich’s Premier League campaign, despite the Canaries’ relegation.

He fits the bill for Anfield’s recruiters as an emerging talent who can play in numerous positions.

Lewis could be a back-up option at centre-back or left-back if he made the switch to Merseyside.

But that initial status within the squad could be the stumbling block to Liverpool taking their interest beyond admiring the youngster.

Liverpool’s centre-half pairing of Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez is established, with Joel Matip also a regular starter.

At left-back, Andy Robertson is currently a fixture in the line-up.

That means Lewis would have to be persuaded to fight for a place and probably be patient if he joined the Premier League champions. That is a dilemma for the 22-year-old, who is likely to receive offers from top-flight clubs able to guarantee instant first-team football.

If Lewis sees himself rapidly becoming more than a squad player, Liverpool may firm up their interest with a bid. It may help that Norwich have an interest in Liverpool youngster Yasser Larouci, the full-back who featured in this year’s domestic cup games. Larouci has a number of clubs showing interest.

Yasser Larouci of Liverpool during the pre-season friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool FC - GETTY IMAGES
Yasser Larouci of Liverpool during the pre-season friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool FC - GETTY IMAGES

An Anfield move for Lewis would have echoes of the £8 million transfer of Robertson three years ago. He had just been relegated with Hull City, but made the Anfield switch and backed himself to displace Alberto Moreno - something he achieved six months later.

Klopp has made his position on transfers clear; Liverpool are monitoring several targets but wary of the financial implications of Covid-19.

However, Lovren’s sale to Zenit St Petersburg does leave Klopp short of experienced defenders.

Liverpool have also lost midfielder Adam Lallana after his free transfer to Brighton.