The Athletic's David Ornstein has delivered an update on Liverpool's plans for the January transfer window...

What's the story?

Jurgen Klopp's side find themselves involved in all four main competitions this season heading into the second-half of the campaign, and Ornstein has now indicated that the midfield area could be something that the Reds look to strengthen.

He said: "Regardless of what happens in the forward positions, Liverpool are also thought to be exploring options to strengthen in central midfield. Gini Wijnaldum left in 2021, James Milner has entered the final six months of his contract and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have 18 months to go.

"One of the candidates is Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni, although among those also keen on the 21-year-old France international are Manchester United and therefore, if Liverpool choose to take their interest further, the battle for his services is likely to be intense."

Exciting news for fans

Speaking on Sky Sports recently after Liverpool's thrilling 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Graeme Souness delivered his verdict on the main issues in the Reds' midfield set-up.

He said: "Chelsea bossed midfield today. Liverpool have a great success by pushing up, all three parts of the team all being in contact with each other. Liverpool this year, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner were not at the races today. They were bossed and bullied by Chelsea’s midfield.

"Liverpool need more of a maestro in there. Thiago is certainly a better footballer than what they have but by doing that you lose that in momentum in terms of pressing and being on the front foot. They were exposed today Liverpool by the midfield not really managing to control Chelsea."

The fact the Reds are now actively targeting new central midfielders is sure to make for exciting reading for Liverpool fans, who may feel that a refresh in the engine room is necessary, especially given that the likes of Wijnaldum has left, and Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita are nearing the ends of their respective contracts.

And, Ornstein name-checking Tchouameni adds an extra bit of excitement for supporters of the Merseyside club, with the Frenchman being hailed as having the potential of a "complete midfielder" by Cesc Fabregas and highly touted by Paul Pogba too.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are eyeing this exciting Dutch star...