Klopp’s Berge beeline sparks January swoop speculation

Jurgen Klopp’s praise for Racing Genk midfielder Sander Berge has fuelled speculation that Liverpool could be looking to sign him in January. Klopp made a beeline for Berge at the conclusion of Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League victory over the Belgian club on Tuesday and was seen to take the midfielder aside and talk to him.
Reports in Norway now claim that the Reds’ German coach was telling the 21-year-old exactly what he thought of him after witnessing Berge’s displays against his side in back-to-back group fixtures.
According to Norwegian newspaper VG, among other things Klopp said: “You are an interesting player, a very interesting player.”
Speculation that Liverpool could be planning a bid for the Norway international in January has erupted following that simple chat – and some other comments made on Belgian TV during Tuesday’s match at Anfield.
Commentator Bart Raes said it was already decided that Berge would be leaving Genk in the January transfer window and that the Belgian outfit is reportedly close to an agreement with an unnamed club.
Therefore it is interesting that Genk chose Berge to be their player at the pre-match press conference on Monday where he made all the right noises – the sort that a player who could be planning a career stop on Merseyside should do. “It’s a big dream coming true to play the best team in the world and at Anfield it is something special,” said Berge, the subject of a price enquiry from Napoli last month. “They are known for having maybe the best fans in the world and will make sure we do better than last time.”
Berge’s agents Mike Kjolo and Morten Wivestad were present at Anfield on Tuesday to watch their charge perform against Liverpool, so maybe there was another reason too.
However, Genk’s sports director Dimitri De Conde, who was also at the game, denied Raes’ allegations, answering with a firm “no”.