Liverpool could miss out on Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners, with Serie A heavyweights Juventus now asserting themselves in the race for the highly-rated midfielder.
According to Gazzetta, the Old Lady are already planning to make some financial sacrifices to fund a move for the versatile 26-year-old.
Koopmeiners stole the spotlight when Atalanta travelled to the Allianz Stadium to face the record Serie A holders, and he further solidified his position as one of the hottest midfielders in Italy.
The former AZ Alkmaar skipper bagged a brace to earn Gian Piero Gasperini’s side a hard-fought point and keep their continental hopes alive.
The brace in Turin took Koopmeiners’ tally to 12 goals and four assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this season, which underscores why he is considered one of the finest midfielders in the Italian top flight.
Liverpool hold a long-standing interest in the Netherlands international.
Atalanta are likely to demand at least €60 million for a player that cost them only a fraction of that valuation, but his price tag should be comfortably met by the Reds.
However, the Merseyside giants have been dealt a huge blow amid reports that Koopmeiners wants to remain in Serie A, giving Juventus the upper hand.
Koopmeiners is adept at featuring in multiple midfield roles and can also comfortably slot in at left centre-back when required, adding to his appeal as a versatile player.
While Liverpool cannot be entirely ruled out of contention for his signature, the Reds are currently focused on restructuring their recruitment team ahead of a crucial summer window.
With Jurgen Klopp set to leave the club at the end of the season, Liverpool have already moved swiftly to recapture the services of highly respected director Michael Edwards.
The Englishman has been appointed as the club’s chief executive of football, while Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes has been linked with a sporting director role at Anfield.
