Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their bid to land Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who has reportedly informed the club that he wishes to pursue a move to Atletico Madrid, but that shouldn't dissuade Julian Ward and FSG from at least pushing strongly for the player.

Having captivated with Morocco at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 26-year-old has been the subject of intense speculation over his future, with a departure from his current club potentially forthcoming.

The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent James Pearce previously stated that Amrabat has been considered as a shrewder option for the Reds than some of the high-profile targets to have been linked with a move to Anfield, such as Jude Bellingham.

This week, French publication Foot Mercato claimed that the player's representatives have met with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, with the German being told that the Reds target favours a move to the Spanish capital.

Last month, Amrabat added fuel to the fire regarding the likelihood of a move to the Wanda Metropolitano, telling Marca that he holds an admiration for Atletico manager Diego Simeone and his exploits at the club.

The Moroccan said: "What Simeone does, what he has achieved... he has coached Atletico Madrid for many years.

"I like his style of play. He has won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players on his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way."

Despite the odds swaying in Atletico's favour, Liverpool must not abandon pursuit of the talented phenomenon, with a bid of £35m established as the fee needed to prise him away from Fiorentina, according to The Mirror (December 23, page 53).

He would instil a level of cohesion and control to the midfield which has largely been absent on Merseyside this season, with Liverpool - who languish in seventh place after 17 matches in the Premier League - in dire need of some new-found intensity.

As per FBref, Amrabat could bring exactly that, ranking within the top 4% for progressive passes, the top 5% for pass completion and the top 12% for rate of blocks when compared to positional peers across Europe's big five leagues this season. It is this transitional aptitude that is exactly what the Reds need if they are to ascend back up the table.

Having made 22 appearances for Fiorentina this term, Amrabat has been a regular presence in his team enjoying another solid campaign in Serie A.

Lauded as a "monster" by journalist Carlo Garganese, the Moroccan could inject an energy back into a team which looks devoid of that quality right now. Klopp, Ward and FSG must act with swift conviction to bring him to the Premier League, perhaps paving the way for brighter fortunes for Liverpool.