Jurgen Klopp will ‘love’ Mateo Kovacic if Liverpool end up signing the Chelsea midfielder in the summer, according to Glen Johnson.
The Reds have been linked with a move for the Croatia international and Johnson, who played for both Liverpool and Chelsea, says Kovacic would be well suited.
But Klopp’s side are not the only team interested in Kovacic, with Manchester City also keen on the 28-year-old.
German champions Bayern Munich, now managed by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, have entered the race for Kovacic too.
Kovacic is out of contract in the summer of 2024 and Johnson feels the player is underrated.
‘Mateo Kovacic is a top class player so the interest is no surprise,’ Johnson told Lord Ping. ‘If he leaves Chelsea, he would suit Liverpool very well.
‘He will be a pair of fresh legs in there and be very energetic. Jurgen Klopp will love the way he plays. He would improve any one of those sides.
‘The interest from many clubs proves that he is underrated at Chelsea.
‘Core football fans will appreciate his performances over the ones who prefer goals and flair.
‘He is a lot better on the ball than people give him credit for. He is a bit like Lucas Leiva when he played for Liverpool. He didn’t get the most credit, but the players loved him. I can only imagine Kovacic has the same fate.’
With not long left in the season, Johnson has also predicted where his former sides will finish in the Premier League table.
‘I would say Liverpool will finish fifth, and Chelsea will finish seventh, just going off current form,’ he added.
‘I think Liverpool will make a good run for the the top four but ultimately fall short.’
Chelsea return to action against Aston Villa on Saturday while Liverpool travel to the Etihad to take on Pep Guardiola’s City earlier in the day.
