Liverpool’s midfield has been the subject of much debate lately. Although a lack of potency in the final third and some shaky showings at the back have bagged the headlines, it may actually be the shift in the middle of the park that’s responsible for Jurgen Klopp’s side going off the boil.

Indeed, the Reds have moved Adam Lallana into the front three to compensate for Sadio Mane’s Africa Cup of Nations absence, while Jordan Henderson has been battling a heel issue, which has decreased his level of performance. As a result of this, the trio of a not fully fit skipper, Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum have been struggling to do the business, so perhaps an addition is needed to kick Liverpool’s title challenge back into gear.

[ad_pod id='now-tv' align='centre']

And links have surfaced from Portugal via A Bola (below), suggesting that William Carvalho is a €30m (£25.8m) target for the Merseysiders, who have been in early talks to sign him.

Although the legitimacy of this rumour is not yet fully known, the EURO 2016-winner could provide the sort of solid base Klopp’s midfield has been missing…

The Portugal international has been in decent form for Sporting CP this term, averaging 88% pass completion across 18 Primeira Liga outings, while creating eight chances. However, it’s his contributions in the other direction that are most intriguing, with 31 interceptions a fine return, while his 24 aerial duels won is greater than Henderson’s 21 – the Englishman has played more league games, too. Interestingly, Carvalho’s quality in the air means he’s won almost 70% of his battles off the turf.

Liverpool have a decent relationship with Sporting after sending Lazar Markovic, who has now moved to Hull, to Lisbon on loan earlier this season.

[ad_pod id='Shoot-Xmas-Survey' align='left']

[ad_pod id='playwire' align='center']