Liverpool target Netherlands star Teun Koopmeiners after sealing Cody Gapko deal.

Liverpool target Netherlands star Teun Koopmeiners after sealing Cody Gapko deal.

Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a move for Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners after the signing of Cody Gapko.

Jurgen Klopp is left scratching his head following a string of disappointing performances since returning from the World Cup break, despite pulling off a major coup by hijacking Manchester United’s deal to recruit Cody Gakpo before 2023 even got started.

Amid worries that many Reds players may be abruptly past their prime, Anfield officials are exploring the transfer market for new signings that may assist Klopp and company move into the top four.

While Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez are big-money targets, Liverpool have a reputation for picking up the best bargain deals. Meanwhile, there’s the rumbling issue of contracts and Roberto Firmino is among those who could be a free agent come June.

Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has apparently caught Liverpool’s eye recently. After moving from AZ Alkmaar, where he captained the Dutch team at the age of 21, the Netherlands international played in the World Cup and is a regular at the club level.

Teun Koopmeiners (Getty Images)

The 24-year-old moved to Serie A from AZ Alkmaar in August 2021 for a fee of €14million and has been capped by the Netherlands 15 times, including five appearances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

According to transfermarkt.com, the international teammate of Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk has a current market value of €30million, a fee that may not break the bank for the Reds, especially if they were able to generate some funds from player sales

Liverpool are in need of a midfield refresh, so left-footed Koopmeiners – who can play in multiple positions – could fit the bill and act as Fabinho ‘s long-term replacement.

Roberto Firmino is said to be leaning toward accepting a contract extension with Liverpool. The Brazilian striker was recently linked with a move to the Saudi Arabian Pro League, as he enters the final six months of his current deal on Merseyside while in his eighth season with the Reds.

However, Sky Germany reports that while clubs in the Middle East are keen to sign Firmino, talks between the Reds chiefs and the 31-year-old are progressing. Jurgen Klopp has repeatedly made clear that he wants to keep his No.9, who’s currently out injured, at Anfield.

In other news, REVEALED: Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham plan becomes clear amid strong Liverpool links as Florian Plettenberg issues major transfer update