Roy Keane has already delivered his verdict on Manchester United transfer target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - and it is one that should push the Red Devils to firm up their interest.
Oxlade-Chamberlain struggled for game-time for Liverpool last season, starting just nine games in the Premier League for the title challengers. A succession of injuries have seen him slip down the pecking order, with Naby Keita, Harvey Elliott, James Milner and Curtis Jones all ahead of him.
Now, with just one year left on his contract and his time at Anfield unlikely to be extended, the Reds are set to sell him. They need to bring in money to fund their club-record move for Darwin Nunez, and Oxlade-Chamberlain is a leading candidate to be moved on.
Frequent injuries have ruled him out of 74 matches in total since he joined Liverpool from Arsenal in 2017. But despite those issues, United legend Keane has already stated his belief that Oxlade-Chamberlain remains a top player.
He told ITV in March: “Injury problems. He is now, what 28? His career has stalled over the last years. He has been left behind a little bit. But a quality player.” Those comments could push United towards following up their interest in the 28-year-old.
According to talkSPORT, the Red Devils are 'contemplating' a raid on the Reds for the midfielder. It was stated that Oxlade-Chamberlain is 'desperate' to leave Anfield having seen his opportunities dwindle over the past year.
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With Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic all having left Old Trafford this summer, midfield will be a priority area for United. That has seen Oxlade-Chamberlain rise up their shopping list as boss Erik ten Hag bids to overhaul his new squad.
United are said to be ready to pay up to £10million to bring the former England international to Manchester. If Liverpool are 'willing' to accept a fee in that region, United would be 'seriously interested' in making a formal bid.
Though they are facing competition from Southampton, United are thought to be in pole position. That is because the Saints have 'concerns' over his injury history and his possible wage demands.
Klopp has already made it clear that despite the reports, Oxlade-Chamberlain is yet to demand a departure. The Liverpool boss did admit though that he would not stand in the way of anyone wanting to leave Anfield, for the right price.
“I don't want to see anyone leave but that's life and the situation. No-one has told me they want to leave. No agent called and said: 'If he's not playing more (he wants to leave)'. We will see what happens," Klopp said in May.
"Whatever has already happened this season is possible because of the group we have. We have world-class players in moments, mixed up with kids. I have no idea who wants to go and I don't see that really.
"But if someone comes around the corner and says: 'I have a club where I really would love to go' then the normal thing that always happens is the club has to make an offer because as long as the boys are here, we have to agree as well.”
