Jurgen Klopp held secret meeting in an attempt to seal Sofyan Amrabat deal this transfer window

Jurgen Klopp held secret meeting in an attempt to seal Sofyan Amrabat deal this transfer window

In a bid to boost his preference in January transfers, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp met with the agent of Fiorentina midfielder and Moroccan international Sofyan Amrabat.

In an effort to sign the Moroccan international in the January transfer window, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp met with the agent of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

While it is speculated that the holding midfielder may be willing to leave the Italian team to fulfill his dream to play in the Champions League, the Reds have previously been linked with a move for him. Strengthening Liverpool’s midfield is a top priority for Klopp.

The 26-year-old is reportedly close to joining Atletico Madrid, according to Foot Mercato, so Liverpool’s attempts to get Amrabat appear to have fallen through. The athlete has shown his respect for the Spanish team and manager Diego in the past.

Speaking to Marca last month, Amrabat explained when asked about Atleti’s interest in him: “It is a great honour to be associated with these sorts of clubs. Right now I’m playing for Fiorentina. I have a lot of respect for my club, it’s a great team.

“I have a great coach and a wonderful relationship with the owner Rocco Commisso, who brought me to Fiorentina, and with Joe Barone (General Manager of the club) and Daniele Prade (Sporting Director). I have a lot of respect for them and the club.”

Sofyan Amrabat (Getty images)

When pressed on his admiration for Simeone’s style of play, Amrabat added: “I don’t like to talk about others. But yes, what Simeone does, what he has achieved… he has coached Atletico Madrid for many years.

” I like his style of play. He has won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players on his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way.”

Amrabat featured in every minute of Morocco’s amazing World Cup run last month, which saw them finish first in Group F, ahead of Croatia and Belgium, and then defeat 2010 World Champions Spain on penalties.

They went on to overcome Portugal in the quarterfinals and lost to Croatia in the third-place playoff.

The midfielder’s status and list of admirers boomed as a result of his performances, but he currently only has a year-and-a-half left on his contract at the Artemio Franchi Stadium so could potentially be available at a lower price.

In other news, ‘Bellingham would like to play for Liverpool’ – Journalist provides major transfer update on the Dortmund midfielder