Liverpool set for ‘last-gasp swoop’ for midfield target in January amid link to Barcelona

Liverpool reportedly holds ‘concrete’ interest in Wolves star Ruben Neves amid links to Barcelona

Several long-serving players for the Reds will have their contracts expire in the summer, thus they are searching for players to restructure and rebuild their midfield.

James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita are a few of those players. All three have experienced injury issues at various points this season.

Liverpool’s midfield, and its lack of physicality, has been focused upon as one of the key reasons behind their struggles this season, with Klopp’s side out of the running for the Premier League title.

They face a battle to qualify for the Champions League, with the Reds already 10 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

Ruben Neves (Getty images)

And Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfielders, with Italian journalist Rudy Galetti claiming to GiveMeSport they hold interest in Mikel Merino, Piotr Zielinski, and Sofyan Amrabat

Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham remains Liverpool’s main target, but Sky Germany claims a deal could cost them in the region of €150 million.

A new report suggests that Liverpool are currently locked on a much cheaper target.

Earlier this week, Spanish media Fichajes stated that the Reds were keen on rivalling Barcelona to sign Wolves star Neves, with the Spanish giants identifying the Portugal international as a potential replacement if Sergio Busquets departs the club this summer.

The 25-year-old would be available for a fee of around £35 million, and his set-piece ability, shooting from long range and physicality would add extra ability to Liverpool’s midfield.

However, according to Football insider, the Reds have ‘concrete’ interest in bringing Neves to Anfield, knowing that Bellingham is not available until at least the summer.

The report adds that they would wait until the end of the window before launching a bid, due to the incoming business Wolves are hoping to complete this month.

Having already signed forward Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid and completed a move for PSG midfielder Pablo Sarabia. Their other incoming deal sees former Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina join the club from Nice.

In other news, Liverpool Urged to target £70m midfield sensation as Jude Bellingham alternative