Exclusive: Liverpool SCOUT amazing Szoboszlai REPLACEMENT

Liverpool's search for a midfielder has been well-documented, with the club and Arne Slot wanting to add depth and quality to their squad as they aim for trophies this season.

After failing to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, Slot and Sporting Director Richard Hughes decided to start the season without adding to their midfield, instead trusting Ryan Gravenberch to step into the number 6 role – something he's done spectacularly well.

The Dutch midfielder has been one of Liverpool's best performers this season, taking to a deeper role like a duck to water.

However, it's no secret that Slot still wants to add another midfielder to his squad, and Liverpool sent a scout to a Champions League match this week to watch a target who could replace Dominik Szoboszlai next summer.

Scouting mission

Liverpool chief scout Barry Hunter travelled to Germany during the week to take in the club's Champions League game with RB Leipzig.

He was on a scouting mission, with Dutch attacking midfielder Xavi Simons his focus.

Simons is contracted to PSG, but has been on loan in Germany for the past two seasons.

The Reds were linked with Simons during the summer, reportedly instructed his agent to negotiate a move away from French giants Paris Saint-Germain after the conclusion of EURO 2024.

A permanent transfer didn't transpire, but he was quickly sent back out on loan to RB Leipzig again. However, a transfer away from PSG next summer seems inevitable at this point.

Dominik Szoboszlai replacement

Simons plays in a number 10 role for both club and country – one which is currently occupied by Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.

While Slot has been lauded for changing Gravenberch's position, it's hard to see Simons fitting into his team in any position other than attacking midfield.

Slot called Szoboszlai out earlier this season, saying he needed to add more attacking numbers to his game – he's contributed a goal and two assists in 12 games so far, below what you would expect from a player in his position.

In contrast, Simons has two goals and two assists in his seven Bundesliga games so far as RB Leipzig sit second in the table.

He would add a level of attacking guile to Slot's midfield that currently lacks – one to watch for Reds fans.