Liverpool transfer boost as Juventus plot O'Riley deal as Koopmeiners alternative

Teun Koopmeiners is the No.1 midfield target on the list for Juventus but the Italian giants have been so far unable to make a breakthrough in negotiations with Atalanta. 

Koopmeiners, 26, is valued at €60 million by the Europa League holders but Juve are unwilling to go beyond €40m to €45m for the Dutchman. 

As such Koopmeiners’ future remains uncertain with Atalanta holding firm in their valuation. 

Liverpool have been reported as interested in the former AZ midfielder, who excelled in the Eredivisie under new Reds’ head coach Arne Slot. 

The Anfield side’s interest in The Netherlands international pre-dates Slot’s appointment but with the player’s preference to remain in Italy there has been no movement in any Liverpool bid. 

READ MORE: Liverpool update for Dutch duo 

Now there has been a development in Italy with Juventus lining up what has been described as a ‘disruptive move’ for an Atalanta target that threatens transfer chaos and could well play into Liverpool’s hands. 

Matt O’Riley has been outstanding for Celtic over the past couple of seasons with the 23-year-old emerging as a serious target for Atalanta - as an eventual Koopmeiners’ replacement - as well as numerous other European teams. 

O'Riley wanted by Juventus and Atalanta

There has been contact between the two clubs over a deal for the Denmark international but Atalanta have so far fallen short of Celtic’s expectations. 

The Scottish champions want €30 million for O’Riley but Atalanta have offered only €15m. 

Now Tuttosport is reporting that Juventus are plotting a move for O’Riley in a deal which could have serious repercussions on Koopmeiners’ future. 

Juve sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has identified the English-born midfielder as his No.1 Koopmeiners alternative having already restocked his midfield elsewhere with Khephren Thuram and Douglas Luiz. 

Should Juventus overtake Atalanta in their O’Riley chase it could well leave Liverpool as the only team in the race for Koopmeiners. 

The Dutchman is under contract until 2027 but unlikely to sign a new deal with Gian Piero Gasperini’s team.