Liverpool are in the front row to sign Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners during the summer transfer window.
The Merseyside giants overhauled their midfield department last summer. They brought in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.
They continue to be linked with midfield stars and Gazzetta dello Sport (page 13) claim that the Reds are set to provide stiff competition to Juventus for Koopmeiners.
The Premier League leaders are in the front row to land the Netherlands international, who could be available for a small discount at the end of the ongoing campaign.
Atalanta currently value him at around €60 million, but could be willing to sanction his sale for €50m in the absence of rich offers from abroad during the summer.
Koopmeiners’ versatility would be a boost for Liverpool
The Dutchman started off his career from the defensive midfield role, but he has played higher up during his time at Atalanta.
He has 10 goals and four assists for Atalanta this season, but has also impressed defensively. In Serie A, the former AZ man has won two tackles per game and almost 60 per cent of his duels. He has also made 5.4 recoveries per outing.
Koopmeiners is a dynamic midfielder who likes to press his opponents and would fit into Liverpool’s philosophy. Of course, the playing style could completely change under the next head coach after Jurgen Klopp.
The Netherlands ace would still be a quality acquisition as he can operate from any midfield position. At 26, he is in the peak of his career. The asking price should not prove a stumbling block for Liverpool during the summer.
Koopmeiners could come in as a replacement for Thiago Alcantara who looks likely to be released when his contract expires in June. The Spaniard promised much on his arrival, but has been hampered by several injuries.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
