Liverpool are set to ramp up their efforts to sign Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners, according to Italian news outlet Tuttojuve.
The Reds have long been interested in the Netherlands international, but they have yet to table a formal proposal to sign him.
Liverpool are facing strong competition from Juventus, who are also keen, but Atalanta are reportedly unwilling to sell their prized asset to a direct rival.
Atalanta’s reluctance to do business with Juventus paves the way for Liverpool to swoop in, with Koopmeiners poised to leave the Gewiss Stadium this summer.
Since joining the Bergamo outfit in the summer of 2021, Koopmeiners has earned rave reviews and established himself as one of the finest midfielders in the Italian top flight.
The 26-year-old played a prominent role in Atalanta’s historic campaign last season, bagging 15 goals and seven assists in 51 appearances across all competitions.
His outstanding performances for Atalanta over the years has drawn the interest of several clubs across Europe, but Liverpool and Juventus are considered the front-runners.
Despite Atalanta’s reluctance to sell to their rivals, Juventus are still one step ahead of Liverpool and are considered the favourites to sign the Dutchman.
Liverpool have yet to formalise their interest in Koopmeiners, but they’ll have to pay around £51 million to lure him to Anfield this summer.
The Reds already boast one of the best midfield depths in the Premier League, but they’re still keen to add Koopmeiners to their ranks.
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is familiar with Koopmeiners having worked with the midfielder during his time at AZ Alkmaar. He will welcome the chance to reunite with the Dutchman at Anfield.
Koopmeiners still has three years left on his contract at the Gewiss Stadium, so the reigning Europa League champions are only willing to let their star player leave for a huge fee.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
