Liverpool are reportedly keeping an eye on Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell, with the defender potentially available on a free transfer next summer.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are all interested in Mitchell, who has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.
Palace are understandably keen to avoid losing one of their established players for nothing and are pushing to agree a new contract with the 27-year-old.
Mitchell is reportedly willing to hold talks over an extension, so there is certainly no guarantee that he will actually become a free agent.
But from Liverpool’s perspective, I can understand why the club would be monitoring the situation.
Liverpool have a left-back decision to make
This is one of those rumours that makes a little more sense when you look at Liverpool’s current squad.
Milos Kerkez is the first-choice option, while Kostas Tsimikas provides experience and competition.
However, Tsimikas’ contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and there have already been questions about his long-term future at Anfield.
That could potentially leave Liverpool needing another left-back.
And signing someone like Mitchell without paying a transfer fee would certainly be an attractive proposition.
Is Mitchell good enough for Liverpool?
That’s the big question.
Mitchell has been a regular for Palace for several years and has made 247 appearances for the club in all competitions. Football Insider also reports that he has improved the attacking side of his game while maintaining his defensive consistency.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has described Mitchell as a player who consistently performs at a high level and suggested there will be significant interest if he reaches the end of his contract.
Liverpool aren’t going to be the only club looking.
Manchester United are reportedly very interested, while Chelsea are also said to be considering the situation.
Personally, I’m not against it
I’ll be honest — this isn’t a signing I’m desperate for Liverpool to make.
But I don’t dislike the idea of it either.
If Mitchell doesn’t renew his Palace contract and becomes available for nothing, Liverpool should at least be having a conversation.
He’s Premier League-proven, experienced and still only 27.
The biggest question would be whether Liverpool believe he is good enough to compete for a starting place at Anfield rather than simply becoming another squad player.
That’s where I’d want the recruitment team to be careful.
Liverpool shouldn’t sign somebody simply because he’s available for free.
But if Iraola and the recruitment department believe Mitchell can genuinely improve the squad, a free transfer could make plenty of sense.
And there is another reason I find this interesting.
Liverpool have already shown this summer that they aren’t afraid to make major changes to the squad.
If Tsimikas moves on, and if Kerkez doesn’t quite establish himself as the long-term answer at left-back, this could become a position the club needs to address.
For now, though, Mitchell’s future remains in his own hands.
Palace want him to stay.
Mitchell is willing to discuss a new deal.
And Liverpool are reportedly watching.
If he does become available next summer, I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if this rumour gets a lot louder.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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