Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano reveals the players Liverpool are considering to replace Gini Wijnaldum

Sky journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Liverpool are currently scouting both Yves Bissouma and Renato Sanches as potential replacements for Gini Wijnaldum this summer in an exclusive interview with Anfield Watch.

The Dutch midfielder's contract has been a topic of great discussion this season and with less than six months to go on his current Reds deal, we're likely going to see in the near future what he has decided to do.

Naturally, if he does end up wanting to move away from Merseyside, the Reds need a contingency plan and it sounds as though both Bissouma and Sanches are on the club's radar.

Speaking exclusively to Anfield Watch, the Italian reporter revealed that the Reds have only scouted the pair so far but that the duo could well be options to watch out for if Wijnaldum is on the way out:

"We're talking about players being scouted rather than talks at the moment," Romano explained.

"Bissouma has been scouted and is appreciated as a player but I'll mention Renato Sanches as well.

"There were rumours about Renato signing in January but that was never going to happen because Liverpool are not signing anyone this month.

"But, if Wijnaldum leaves in the summer, then Sanches could be a good opportunity for Liverpool. They are looking at him as well as Bissouma because Lille need money - they will need to sell players next summer - and in my opinion, Renato Sanches could be a great opportunity and he's been scouted too.

"Liverpool have a list and they'll decide in April who they want to go for."

ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT

Both Sanches and Bissouma are coming into their own as midfield players at the moment and perhaps have shades of Wijnaldum from when he was first signed by Liverpool.

It would be a shame to lose the Dutchman but sometimes these things happen and the Reds will have to act decisively to get in a replacement.

It appears the duo mentioned by Romano are on the Reds' shortlist at the moment, then, and time will only tell if they end up needing to act on it.

See some of our interview with Fabrizio here