Liverpool transfer news: Reds in 'front row' for Serie A star wanted by Juventus
Liverpool are once again being linked with Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, with Juventus also interested.
Despite an extensive midfield build last summer that involved the departures of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner and Naby Keita and the arrival of four new faces, the Reds continue to be linked with more signings in the centre of the park.
26-year-old Netherlands international Koopmeiners is a player who has regularly been touted as a potential Liverpool transfer target ahead of the summer window, with the Reds' recruitment chiefs potentially still seeking further reinforcement at the base of midfield.
With his Atalanta side chasing Champions League qualification, Koopmeiners has been one of the stars of the season in a new playmaking role, weighing in ten goals and four assists in 31 appearances in all competitions so far.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the Reds are in 'the front row' for the Atlanta star who is also coveted by Serie A heavyweights Juventus. Curiously, the same wording used by a totally different report a few weeks ago.
Koopmeiners asking price
The latest report adds that Atalanta, though they don't need money from a sale, would want around €60m (£51m) from a deal, but could drop down as low as €50m (£42.5m).
This differs significantly from previous reports which have claimed that La Dea would seek a similar fee to the one they received from Manchester United last summer for Rasmus Hojlund — around £72m.
While the centre of the park may not be a priority area for Liverpool's recruitment this summer, there could be a need for further additions capable of playing the 'number six' role, especially with the imminent exit of Thiago Alcantara who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
In addition, Anfield Watch has reported on the Reds interest in other midfield options such as Morten Frendrup (Genoa) and Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad).