Liverpool FINALLY identify Martin Zubimendi alternative

Liverpool are in ideal positions in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

They lead the way in both competitions and all the talk is about how they can improve by bringing players in to consolidate their position.

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However, there are a number of weak points in the team that could do with recruitment, such as left-back, centre-back, defensive midfield and striker.

But securing additional help during the January transfer window is traditionally very difficult, although not for Liverpool's direct rivals Manchester City, it seems.

Angelo Stiller monitored for summer move

Despite Ryan Gravenberch's magnificent efforts in defensive midfield, it is clear that he cannot do the role full-time without someone else helping facilitate his game-time, otherwise, the team will find him becoming increasingly hampered by injuries of their own doing.

Martin Zubimendi was the latest target but after months of trying to convince him during the summer, he eventually declined the club's approach, subsequently detailing the selfish motivations that led to his decision, although reports suggest that he could be on his way to North London to join up with Mikel Arteta and former teammate Mikel Merino at Arsenal.

As such, Liverpool are having to explore other options and, according to Team Talk, one of those is Angelo Stiller who is holding the fort down at VfB Stuttgart.

The 23-year-old has been identified by the club as a player worth monitoring as his contract is set to be up in 2027 and the German side are yet to agree an extension to his deal.

Reportedly, the club's scouts have been impressed with his performances in recent weeks and if his situation remains unchanged by the summer, then Liverpool could pounce, with bids in the region of €40m (£34m) being considered by Stuttgart.

A move this winter has been directly dismissed given how crucial Stiller is to the team's ambition to qualify for the Champions League next season, but a move will be considered in the summer should there be no new contract finalised in the coming weeks.

Liverpool's last signing from Stuttgart was Wataru Endo, who played as the team's main defensive midfielder at times last season under Jurgen Klopp, although the Japanese international doesn't appear to be favoured by Arne Slot.

And while the 31-year-old was clearly a stop-gap signing to be used for his experience while the team was transitioning, a move for Stiller, who is eight years his younger, would undoubtedly be looked at differently.

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