Liverpool approach for star is surprising, given Jurgen Klopp stance

Chelsea and Liverpool have reportedly joined Barcelona in the battle for Ivan Perišić. The Croatian midfielder, who’s having a great Euro 2016 so far, has been drawing the attention of several European sides.

Tuttosport have an article on the player’s situation on Thursday, although the original claims are from the Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, which says that Chelsea are the latest club to show interest, as Liverpool had already made an approach.

The Italian outlet claims that Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini considers the player to be not for sale, but also mentions that he’s considered to be worth a little less than €30m.

He’s seen by Barcelona as a plan b, so that puts the English sides in the lead. However, the fact that neither Chelsea or Liverpool are playing European competitions next season is something which could still convince Perišić to stay in Italy.

Liverpool interest is something of a surprise because Perišić and Jurgen Klopp had a run in at Borussia Dortmund, which ultimately led to the player’s exit from the club. Perišić complained whilst on international duty, saying Klopp favoured other players, which led to public criticism from the manager and a club fine.

In any case, the player’s future will only be decided after the Euros.