Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Teun Koopmeiners, and a recent update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player during the January transfer window.
What's the latest?
According to 90min, the Reds are one of many clubs interested in signing the Atalanta midfielder.
As per the report, it is claimed that Liverpool have not formalised their interest in the 24-year-old as of yet, although the player did respond to the links in a press conference recently, seemingly playing down the rumours.
He stated: "I saw the links and stories about Liverpool. It's nice to see that but I’m 100% focused on Atalanta, I’m so happy to play here."
Klopp needs him now
The pressure may well be mounting on Jurgen Klopp and the powerbrokers at Anfield to add new additions to the Reds' midfield with every poor performance which passes this season, and taking the opportunity to strengthen the ranks in that sector during the January transfer window is one which must be grasped.
Liverpool are currently sixth in the Premier League table after their first 17 games, seven points adrift of the top four and 16 points behind leaders Arsenal. That is currently compromising their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season, unless of course they beat Real Madrid in the round of 16 and go on to win the competition.
It won't be easy for Liverpool to climb back up the table over the second half of the season since they have fallen so far behind, and they will likely require remarkable work from Klopp to be in contention for a top-four finish.
However, if the club do turn their interest in their perceived targets into something concrete, it could be season-changing, and signing Koopmeiners would be a great start to the much-needed midfield rebuild before the end of the campaign.
In 17 Serie A appearances this term, Koopmeiners - who has been dubbed a "top talent" by journalist Sam Tabuteau - has scored five goals, registered two assists and created three big chances, along with averaging 1.8 shots on goal, 1.6 key passes, 1.5 tackles, 1.4 clearances and 3.7 duels won per game.
The 24-year-old Dutchman - who has a reported price tag of £35m - also ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for shots on goal, shot-creating actions, touches and progressive passes received over the past 12 months.
His tenacity in attack combined with his potent defensive attributes make him the perfect hard-working midfielder who could be a highly valuable asset to Klopp's pursuit for improvement at Anfield over the second half of the season.
Therefore, signing the Netherlands international should be a top priority for the Liverpool hierarchy at this point, because resting on their laurels could cost them dearly in the summer when the possibility of no Champions League could become a bleak reality.