Steve McManaman wouldn't be surprised by Liverpool transfer after Ryan Gravenberch claim

Steve McManaman agreed with Owen Hargreaves' claim that Arne Slot may well look to sign a new midfielder as competition for Ryan Gravenberch.

Gravenberch has started the season in magnificent form, taking to the No.6 position in the Reds team like a duck to water after being asked to play there at the beginning of the season by Slot.

Liverpool had initially earmarked that role for primary transfer target Martin Zubimendi, but the Spain midfielder ended up rejecting a move to Anfield in favour of remaining with Real Sociedad.

Gravenberch has impressed, winning several Player of the Match awards at the beginning of the season, but over the weekend, Hargreaves claimed that the Dutchman should prepare himself for Liverpool to sign a more natural defensive midfielder.

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"He's done brilliantly well," Hargreaves told Premier League Productions. "But he's not a defensive midfield player, which is fine when you play teams like this, which you'll beat. He's 190cm tall, he's 22 years old, he's got everything but he's not a specialist defensive midfield player.

"He's a brilliant midfield player, he's a box-to-box - depending on who you play - but I think in a big game, in a one-off game to go and win a Premier League or the Champions League, I think you need specialists. Liverpool showed that with Fabinho, City showed that with Rodri.

"I think they'll still address this position, but credit to Gravenberch, he's grabbed his chance and that's all you need. They said to him, 'What's different (this season)?', and he said, 'Just play me,' and that's what you need as a player. You need someone to trust you and he's proven it.

"I do think tougher tests will come... Even the goal today, that's Liverpool's midfield, he (Gravenberch) goes to press early, and as a defensive midfielder you've got to be there on counter-attacks, and that's one of the most important things. I love what he's doing, but I still think they'll go and get somebody."

McManaman was on co-commentary duty on TNT Sports for Liverpool's Champions League meeting with Bologna on Wednesday night, and was asked for his response to Hargreaves' comments. “Maybe they will [sign somebody]," McManaman said.

"Endo isn’t getting any younger as the years go by. Gravenberch has been excellent but it wouldn’t surprise me. You want competition in every area of the pitch.”