Liverpool are preparing a £19m summer move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan, according to reports from The Metro.

The Turkish international has long been linked with a switch to the Premier League, after impressing in Spain since his arrival during 2011.

Speculation that the Reds, as well as Arsenal and Bayern Munich, may make their move for his signature increased during January, but no official bids are believed to have been tabled.

However, reports are now emerging that Liverpool will step up their interest at the end of the season, with manager Brendan Rodgers willing to spend £19m of his transfer budget on the 26-year-old.

Atletico will be far from keen to lose one of their top talents, but Turan’s agent Ahmet Bulut has revealed that his client is looking to make a move later this year:

“Arda has played at Atletico Madrid for two seasons now. I have wanted to see him play for another team in another league and Arda wants the same.” He said.

“I can’t say the league or you’ll know exactly who I’m talking about but let’s just put it like this, there are only five to six clubs which could afford Arda right now and he’s going to join one of these five clubs.”

Turan has been in fine form for Atletico this term, notching four goals in 22 La Liga appearances.

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