Liverpool eyeing 'best midfielder in Italy' Hakan Calhanoglu

Liverpool are monitoring Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu as the Turkish international continues to impress for last year's Champions League finalists.

The 29-year-old has provided eight goals and two assists in 18 Inter appearances this season, acting as a playmaker in a deep-lying role for Simone Inzaghi's side.

The former Milan and Leverkusen midfielder has impressed throughout his time in Serie A, but has excelled with the Nerazzurri over the past few years.

His performances have been so eye-catching that new Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella recently stated: "At the moment, Hakan is the best midfielder in Italy, perhaps the world."

Capable of playing in a holding role or as a more traditional No. 8, Calhanoglu has attracted interest from across Europe, with Tuttosport claiming Liverpool and Chelsea are particularly keen on signing him.

However, as the Italian outlet recognise themselves, a switch to Liverpool appears unlikely for Calhanoglu.

The midfielder turns 30 in February, with the Reds unlikely to add a player with such an age profile to their new-look midfield, especially given the amount it would cost to prise him from Inter.

Wataru Endo and Thiago are the elder statesmen in Liverpool's midfield at present, with none of Klopp's other central options being over 24-years-old.

There is also the fact that Calhanoglu only just signed a new contract with Inter in July, extending his stay with the current Serie A leaders until 2027.

It's also true that Inter would not want to lose Calhanoglu under any circumstances, handing him a new contract last summer partly to fend off interest from Saudi Arabia.

All in all, while there is no denying the Inter man's talent, it seems improbable that he will be rocking up at Anfield.