Liverpool have long been linked with a move for Ismael Bennacer, and a new update has emerged on the player's future and the Merseyside club's continued interest in him.

What's the latest?

According to Tutto Mercato Web, the AC Milan midfielder is in contract talks with his current club but the player's demands have not been met.

As per the report, there has been a proposal from the Serie A club of around €3m (£2.6m), although Bennacer is looking for something closer to €4m (£3.4m) whilst Liverpool remain interested, and Jurgen Klopp is credited as a huge admirer.

Klopp needs him badly

The midfield at Anfield has become a pressing concern and it has only been further highlighted by Liverpool's poor and inconsistent performances in the Premier League this season.

The Reds are currently sixth in the table after 14 games, their worst start to a season in a decade, and there is no doubt that Klopp is in need of players who can come in with a fresh perspective on the pitch to revitalise the team.

Liverpool have many players coming to the latter stages of their careers, with midfielders James Milner and Jordan Henderson well into their 30s, but it's not just age which isn't on the midfield personnel's side.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Milner are all set to be out of contract in the summer, leaving Klopp with very little depth and experience in the heart of his team.

As a result, the prospective signing of Bennacer would be very valuable to Liverpool and could be the difference in midfield which can help the Reds get back to where they belong at the top of the table.

Across 15 Serie A appearances this season, the £36m-valued Algerian - who was dubbed a "complete midfielder" by his manager Stefano Pioli - has scored one goal, registered one assist and created two big chances, along with averaging 2.3 tackles, 61.3 touches and 4.9 successful duels per game.

Bennacer also ranks in the top 6% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for shot-creating actions and tackles, whilst placing in the top 20% for passes attempted, progressive passes and dribbles completed.

With that in mind, if Liverpool are interested in signing the midfielder, it won't be too easy as AC Milan are clearly keen to secure his future, so a very tempting offer from the powerbrokers at Anfield will be required if they are to make this happen.