Liverpool are eyeing up a swoop for a midfielder who could be a cheaper alternative to Argentinian star Enzo Fernandez

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James Pearce of The Athletic has claimed that Sofyan Amrabat would be a cheaper option for the Anfield side compared to Fernandez, with Benfica demanding £105m for the World Cup winner on the back of his impressive performances in Qatar.

Amrabat, on the other hand, would only cost £35m from Serie A side Fiorentina according to The Mirror (December 23, page 53) and this may allow Jurgen Klopp to save funds in order to sign his main target Jude Bellingham in the summer.

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Liverpool were reportedly working on a deal to bring the Benfica midfielder to England during the World Cup. Still, with the club announcing recently that a £44.3m deal for Cody Gakpo is set to be completed, Klopp might turn to a cheaper alternative.

Amrabat certainly fits the bill, and with his impressive performances in Qatar, he could be a worthy addition to the Reds.

The midfielder played all seven games for Morocco as the country became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals, and he averaged a solid Sofascore rating of 6.83 across all his appearances.

He enjoyed an average of 56.6 touches and completed 85% of his passes per match, proving that he constantly demanded the ball and was comfortable distributing it to teammates, which was vital in the Atlas Lions’ success.

Defensively, he was excellent, making 0.9 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, and 1.4 clearances per outing, while also winning 3.4 duels each game - at a success rate of 48% - and this was a key reason why the nation conceded just five goals all tournament, and only one in their first five matches.

The 26-year-old was dubbed “different class” by journalist Lorenz Kohler earlier on this year, and although his displays in the Middle East have boosted his stature, he has shone on the international stage before the World Cup.

Klopp needs a midfielder in January and signing Amrabat could give his side a boost heading into a crucial second half of the campaign.