Liverpool face an almighty battle with Juventus to capture the signature of Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners this summer, with the Reds having scouted the Dutch midfielder.
Despite Liverpool signing four midfielders last summer and now looking well-stocked in the engine room with a good range of age profiles, the Reds continue to be linked with new additions in the centre of the park.
One of those that has been frequently touted with an Anfield move is Atalanta's Koopmeiners, with the 26-year-old having claimed he will definitely leave Bergamo this summer.
The midfielder has shone for La Dea this season and has unsurprisingly attracted interest from European giants as a result, with 12 goals and four assists from 34 appearances having caught the eye in particular.
However, Liverpool are not the favourites for his signature according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, with the Reds' uncertainty over the club's successor to Jurgen Klopp putting a move in jeopardy.
JUVENTUS FAVOURITES TO SIGN TEUN KOOPMEINERS
Despite Liverpool having scouted Koopmeiners recently, Romano claims that they are behind Juventus in the queue for his services.
Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano stated: "Juventus are the favourites to sign Teun Koopmeiners as he has been their top target for a long time, they want him and the relationship with Atalanta is very good.
"Liverpool have been scouting him but again, a lot will depend on the decision on who will replace Jurgen Klopp as manager – it’s too early to mention Liverpool’s plans without a decision on the manager."
The Reds are still desperate to appoint Xabi Alonso as Jurgen Klopp's replacement this summer, with the likes of Ruben Amorim and Julian Nagelsmann other candidates for the role.
However, the arrival of a new boss at Anfield will be hugely influential on how Liverpool approach this summer's transfer market, and which targets they pursue.
Liverpool will get to take an even closer look at Koopmeiners when they face Atalanta in the quarter-final of the Europa League, with the Reds needing to be wary of the talented Dutch international.